Council says it is not interested in buying the site at heart of key redevelopment zone, reports James Cracknell

The Ikea in Edmonton first opened in 2012 — *The Ikea branch in Edmonton employs 450 people*

Ikea has announced that its Edmonton shop will be closing at the end of August, with the site subsequently being put on the open market.

The Swedish flat-pack furniture giant, also famed for its meatballs, announced in March that it planned to close its branch next to the North Circular, citing Enfield Council’s plans to build 10,000 homes in the surrounding area as part of the reason.

Ikea is currently in the process of consolidating its UK retail sites. The Edmonton shop – branded as ‘Tottenham’ – originally opened in 2005.

A company spokesperson said: “We can confirm that Ikea Tottenham will close on 31st August 2022. Following this, we will remove all branding and the building and land will go up for sale.”

It had been speculated that the council would look to buy the Ikea site, since it has bought numerous other parcels of land in the surrounding area to contribute to its flagship Meridian Water housing development. The land would hold strategic importance because of its proximity to Meridian Water Station.

However, a council spokesperson has ruled out any bid to buy the site. They said: “Enfield Council remains disappointed that Ikea is closing its branch in the borough but we understand its business model has changed.

“We welcome Ikea’s commitment to ensuring that the staff affected were given the opportunity to relocate within the business and take up other roles.

“The council has worked with Ikea, trade unions, and other agencies to support our residents who are affected by this decision.

“Enfield Council do not have any plans to purchase the site.

“The Ikea site is an important aspect of the wider Meridian Water project and we are working with Ikea to find a meanwhile use for the site to support our local economy.”

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