Construction to begin on 53 homes at major derelict site in north Wicklow

By Hugh O'Farrell Walsh, The Wicklow People

One of Bray’s most discussed derelict sites is finally being prepared for a total transformation.

Wicklow County Council has confirmed that construction on the Rockbrae House social housing scheme is scheduled to begin in June 2026, bringing an end to years of vacancy and decay at the prominent Vevay Road location.

The project, which received Part 8 planning approval in late 2025, will deliver 53 high-quality social housing units on the site, formally the headquarters of the Reserve Defence Forces (FCA).

The 19th-century Gothic-style Rockbrae House fell into severe disrepair and suffered extensive fire damage in 2023, leading to the decision to demolish the existing structure.

The development is designed to maximise the site’s unique topography, which features a three-metre slope. The project consists of three residential blocks, varying in height from three to five storeys.

To maintain a link to the site’s 1875 heritage, the council plans to retain and repurpose the original Coach House as a storage facility for bicycles and bins, while the roadside boundary walls will be preserved where possible.

The path to the June 2026 start date has not been without challenges. In late 2025, the project faced a temporary standstill when the Department of Housing initially raised concerns regarding the business case and funding allocation.

District councillors in Bray were informed at their monthly meeting in March that with the tendering process for a building contractor now underway, residents can expect to see preliminary activity, including site clearance and archaeological monitoring by summer. Because of the site's historical significance, all topsoil stripping will be overseen by experts to ensure no subsurface heritage is disturbed.

Local councillors have historically expressed a mixture of strong support for the much-needed housing and concern over specific design elements.

Cllr Joe Behan strongly criticised the original plan to use the site's historic coach house as a bin and bike store, calling it "shocking" and "ridiculous". He proposed that the heritage building be repurposed into an additional home instead.

Cllr Erika Doyle has welcomed the development, noting that its central location would reduce car dependency as it is within walking distance of local amenities. She also highlighted that developing the site would finally address the long-standing issues with local anti-social behaviour.

The construction phase is estimated to last 24 months, putting the project on track for completion and tenant allocation by mid-2028.

In addition to the housing, the site will feature 33 car parking spaces, a new playground, and professionally landscaped public open spaces, providing a significant amenity boost to the surrounding neighbourhood.