Geoff Barraclough at the Oxford Street site: ‘Retailers want to be here’

THE “world’s largest” IKEA bag was draped over the company’s Oxford Street store this week as the Swedish furniture firm announced delays to the grand opening.

The PR stunt – 128 feet wide and 62 feet high – came as developers continued with a “huge renovation project” at the prestigious Grade II-listed building in the West End.

The store, originally expected to open in the autumn, is now not expected to be ready until the autumn of 2024.

Peter van der Poel, the managing director of Ingka Investments, said: “When refurbishing this over 100-year-old historic landmark, it’s important for us as an investor to treat the building with care and to preserve its characteristics and atmosphere.

“At the same time we want to upgrade it to today’s standards with the best possible sustainability credentials.

“To ensure all of this, the extensive refurbishment will take more time than initially anticipated and IKEA Oxford Street city store is now expected to open in 2024.”

The store will span three floors, with a total area of 82,000 sq ft (about 7,600 sq m).

IKEA said 150 jobs will be created, and 6,000 products will be displayed in the showroom and market-hall area, of which 3,000 can be take-home that day.

Westminster City Council has been making bold statements about transforming the West End and bringing an end to the scourge of empty shops.

Cllr Geoff Barraclough, the city council’s cabinet member for planning and economic development, said: “There is still nothing that beats browsing in imaginative showpiece stores, and the West End is leading the way with cutting-edge retail and entertainment.

“The sight of the famous blue bag on Oxford Street sends a powerful message – that the nation’s favourite high street is back and retailers want to be here.”