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Leader expresses disappointment after IKEA decision

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The leader of Lancashire County Council has expressed his extreme disappointment after Swedish furniture retail company IKEA announced it was withdrawing from plans to build a new store in the county.

IKEA is due to take a unit on a 65 hectare site in Cuerden, which is being developed to provide employment, retail, housing and leisure facilities.

The site is expected to create around 4,500 new jobs in a variety of sector including office, retail, manufacturing, logistics, catering and hospitality.

Leader of Lancashire County Council, Cllr Geoff Driver said: “IKEA have notified us that they wish to withdraw their plans for a new store at the Cuerden development site. This is extremely disappointing and we will hold discussions over the next few weeks with IKEA, the main anchor occupier for the retail element of the strategic development site at Cuerden.

“All parties agreed to the timescales more than a year ago and we have been working together consistently to meet all deadlines.

“We appreciate that there is a current state of uncertainty in the UK retail market generally, and we know there have been rising costs. However, this still remains a great investment opportunity. The site is in a very sought after location, right on the motorway network with planning consent already granted. Lancashire County Council will continue to work hard with their partners, the Eric Wright Group and Brookhouse, to ensure they reach the best possible outcome for Lancashire.”

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