Ikea has pushed back the opening date of its highly anticipated store on Oxford Street once again until Spring 2025.
The Swedish furniture giant said it was “fully committed” to opening the flagship as it continues “extensive renovation works” on the seven storey Grade II listed building, which its investment arm Ingka Investments snapped up for £387m in 2021.
It said the delay was caused by the discovery of water ingress on the lower of the two basement levels.
As a result, it has pushed back the opening of its 82,000sq ft three floor flagship from Autumn this year to Spring 2025.
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Ingka Investments managing director Peter van der Poel 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.”
Ikea UK and chief sustainability officer Peter Jelkeby added: “We’ve been overwhelmed by the interest and excitement generated around our Oxford Street opening.
“The historic nature of the building makes its careful renovation more complex, but we want to ensure Londoners that we’re just as excited to open the store as they are to visit it.
“We look forward to doing so in spring 2025 and contributing to a positive future for London’s most renowned shopping district.”
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