Ikea to go ahead with High Street stores
Written by JDPGlobal | Wednesday, 22 June 2005
The expansion plans of Ikea had hit stumbling blocks after the planning permission was refused for a large store in Stockport. There was also local opposition to some of its other larger stores from residents and councils.
When the Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott turned down the plans for a huge out-of-town warehouse style store, the Ikea group lost out on the chance to build its first store in Greater Manchester. But now, the Swedish home-furnishing chain has unveiled plans to open a small-scale, new High Street store.
At the new proposed site of Hillingdon, Ikea plans to have a store, 240 one and two-bed flats and a public square with facilities for other shops. Being very close to a London Underground station will increase its accessibility too.
Accepting the Mayor’s proposal for 'affordable housing', 117 of the 240 flats will be very affordable. Company spokesman said that the concept for the small store is very different to the usual Ikea world stuff.
The plan will be submitted to the local council within two weeks time. If successful, the expansion plans include 10 more UK stores in the next three years.
