Ingka Centres, part of the Ingka Group, has announced the acquisition of Churchill Square, Brighton’s primary shopping centre. With the purchase finalized, IKEA UK, also under the Ingka Group umbrella, has confirmed plans to open a new IKEA City store at the site. This will mark the 23rd IKEA store in the UK, transforming the former Debenhams space.
The IKEA City store forms part of the retailer’s ongoing shift toward an omnichannel approach, focusing on enhancing services, upgrading existing stores, and expanding fulfillment and delivery capabilities. These efforts aim to make shopping more accessible and sustainable.
The two-story IKEA City store will feature approximately 6,000 products on display, with 3,000 available for immediate purchase, while the full product range will be accessible through home delivery using zero-emission vehicles. In-store planning services will assist customers with kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom designs, and a Swedish Deli will be part of the experience, offering IKEA’s iconic meatballs and plant-based alternatives.
Peter Jelkeby, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer of IKEA UK, commented:
“We’re delighted to continue expanding across the UK, making it easier and more sustainable for people to shop with IKEA. Sussex has always been a key area for us, and we’re excited to bring IKEA closer to where our customers live, work, and socialize, becoming part of this vibrant community.”
Churchill Square already draws over 11 million visitors annually, offering a mix of retail and dining options. In addition to acquiring the shopping centre, Ingka Centres has purchased Chartwell Court, a residential block on the site, two connected car parks, and a lease on a third car park.
Plans for Sustainable Development
Ingka Centres aims to build on Churchill Square’s retail foundation by tailoring offerings to local community needs. Investments will be made to improve the centre’s infrastructure, helping support Brighton and Hove City Council’s goal of fostering a thriving circular economy. Planned upgrades will enhance the centre’s energy efficiency, aiming to achieve BREEAM Excellent certification, in line with Ingka Centres’ global sustainability goals.
Cindy Andersen, Managing Director of Ingka Centres, stated:
“Brighton is known for being a welcoming and progressive city, and it’s a privilege to lead the transformation of Churchill Square into a revitalized hub that the community can be proud of. This acquisition strengthens our portfolio by adding a well-established shopping destination in the heart of a dynamic city, aligning perfectly with our global strategy to turn traditional retail spaces into vibrant meeting places.”
A Central and Accessible Location
Situated on Brighton’s main shopping street and within walking distance of the seafront and the main railway station, Churchill Square offers excellent transport links, including bus routes, cycle lanes, and three car parks. Ingka Centres plans to expand the number of EV charging points and encourage public transport use, in keeping with IKEA’s new urban-focused store concept that promotes home delivery over car use.
Cindy Andersen added:
“Our experience with Hammersmith has shown that traditional shopping centres have a promising future when they adapt to meet the evolving needs of local communities. We look forward to working with IKEA and community partners to enhance everyday life in Brighton by offering an affordable, sustainable mix of retail, dining, and services.”
