Ikea again pushes back Oxford Street opening
Ikea has postponed the opening of its flagship store at 214 Oxford Street for the second time in under a year.
The furniture and homeware retailer has confirmed the 82,000 sq ft store – which was set to open in the autumn after an initial delay – will now be opening in spring 2025.
Ikea said that some “unexpected conditions” have been revealed as the renovation programme has progressed, with unforeseen additional work on the lower of the two basement levels of the Grade II-listed property now underway.
However, the retailer said “significant” progress has been made at the project, which also involves the creation of four floors office space in addition to the new Ikea flagship.
The project is being led by Ingka Investments, the investment arm of Ingka Group, the largest Ikea retailer.
Peter van der Poel, managing director of Ingka Investments, said: “Ikea Oxford Street is a one-of-a-kind project, involving the sensitive and sustainable upgrade of a Grade II listed building that is over a hundred years old. Following the discovery of an unforeseen water ingress issue, we’re now taking vital steps to mitigate long-term flood risk, and to protect and future-proof this historic building for many years to come.”