Alcorcon Exchanges Eurovegas For an Ikea Mega-Store

17/07/2014 – Cinco Dias

Alcorcon City Council (controlled by PP conservatives) is negotiating with Ikea on sale of two plots, one of 5.000 and the other of 18.000 square meters, situated in the El Lucero industrial area (to be built) for joint €9.75 million. The Swedish chain would raise on them one of its biggest shops in Spain.

Sources close to the negotiations said Ikea has already bought a 42.000 square meter plot in the area for €26 million from the local government of Alcorcon (run by the socialist party). Now, it is bound to ask for a building permit.

The Swedish group has got another, 7.000 square meter store in Alcorcon located just in front of the land linked to the talks (separated by the A-5 highway). In case of a successful purchase, Ikea would construct a 30.000-40.000 square meter shop, next to other known builder´s stores that wish to settle in the new industrial zone, such as Bricomart (branch of Leroy Merlin) and at least one more known European chain.

Currently, the largest (40.000 square meter) Ikea store in Spain is found in the city of Sabadell. Last month, the group opened Ikea Valencia Alfafar with a 37.300 square meter area, 2.200 parking spaces and a 400-person staff.

In total, Ikea has got 15 stores in Spain: in Alcorcon, San Sebastian de los Reyes, Ensanche de Vallecas (Madrid), Badalona, L’Hospitalet de Llobregat and Sabadell (Barcelona), Castilleja de la Cuesta (Seville), Malaga, Jerez (Cadiz), Barakaldo (Biscay), Pola de Siero (Asturias), Murcia, Zaragoza, A Coruña and Arroyo de la Encomienda (Valladolid). Moreover, it disposes of two distribution centers in Valls (Tarragona).

The Swedish firm´s expansion presently reaches 26 countries and 303 shops. Founded in 1943, Ikea employs 135.000 people.

American casino and resort company Las Vegas Sands has kept Alcorcon on tenterhooks for over a year. In September 2012, the firm chaired by Sheldon Adelson announced its plans to construct a casino and entertainment makro-complex worth of an investment of €18 billion with thousands of jobs to offer. However, in December 2013 the group said it would waive the project in favour of opportunities in Asia.

 

Original article: Cinco Días (by Alberto Ortín Ramón)

Translation: AURA REE