When news broke of the flagship Topshop closing, it was met with despair, with many looking back fondly on their trips into Central London to pick out the garms associated with their youth and beyond. Excitement did follow, however, when it was subsequently announced in 2021 that the Oxford Street site would be replaced with the furniture-and-meatballs-slinging Swedish giants IKEA.
An IKEA? In the very centre of the city? But how will that work? All will be found out when it opens, my friends – but for now, we’re going to have to wait a little while longer for the pleasure. IKEA on Oxford Street’s grand opening has been delayed again, and now won’t unlock its doors for the public until 2025.
As reported in the Evening Standard, opening plans have been pushed back to springtime next year after it was found repairs were needed to leaks in the basement of the building.
Initially, it was reported that the brand new flagship IKEA store on Oxford Street would open in late-2023, after work began on the building in 2022. But now the Swedish brand has said this has been delayed due to the “hugely complex” work needed for the renovation.
Speaking on the news, 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 building that is over 100 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.”
So for now, we’ll have to be content with trips to big IKEA in Wembley, Greenwich, or wherever you find your nearest mattress and meatball provider. Maybe it’s even the mini one in Hammersmith. Very soon you’ll have one bang in the centre for all your needs.
Keep an eye on our site for news on the official opening date (hopefully) later this year!