IKEA Closer to Building Affordable Homes and New Store in Worthing

Worthing Borough Council and a housing development company co-owned by IKEA will soon work together to create affordable housing in the area.

The council will work with BoKlok - a Swedish property developer co-owned by IKEA and construction company Skanska - on an area known as the New Monks Farm development, in Lancing.

The planning committee at Adur District Council initially approved plans in October 2018.  The government subsequently confirmed that it did not wish to review the proposal, meaning that the development can go ahead.

A new IKEA store and 600 homes are included in the plans, which are expected to result in a £150m investment in the local area.

Thirty percent of the scheme is earmarked for affordable housing and 162 flats are understood to have been included in the plans for this purpose.  IKEA kitchens will be installed in the properties.

A new roundabout, a country park and land for a school and community hub are also part of the plans, as is the expansion and relocation of a gypsy and traveller site.

Work is expected to begin in September next year and the housing ready by April 2021.  

Tim Farlam, real estate manager for IKEA UK and Ireland, said: “Following the Government’s decision not to ‘call in’ the scheme, we will wait for the new roads and site to be prepared at which point we will be able to progress our part of the development."

Source : Insight DIY Team 

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