Glasgow City Council has approved Ikea’s plans for the world’s largest furniture retail store in the face of widespread opposition.
The retail giant wants to build a 24,500 sq m (263,724 sq ft) store on 7.9ha (19.5 acres) next to Braehead shopping centre, south of King’s Inch Drive, Glasgow.
However, Ikea must now wait for the Scottish Executive to decide on whether or not to give the £20m scheme the final go-ahead. Local authorities Renfrewshire, West Dunbartonshire and East Renfrewshire have lodged objections to the proposal, complaining that the store will damage trade at existing retail centres.
The scheme will comprise 15,150 sq m (163,078 sq ft) of sales space, 950 sq m (10,226 sq ft) of offices, 3,250 sq m (34,984 sq ft) for storage and 5,150 sq m (55,436 sq ft) for other areas. An estimated 1,331 car-parking spaces will be provided.
EGi News 02/08/00
