IKEA could be coming to Ellesmere Port, the Swedish furniture giant has confirmed.
The company has been scouring the country looking for suitable locations for a new store and has settled on land near Cheshire Oaks as a possible site.
With the only other stores in the North West in Warrington and Ashton-Under-Lyne, it would seem a natural progression to move into Ellesmere Port.
A spokesman said: “IKEA has been identifying sites around the country for potential stores, including the area of Ellesmere Port. However, we have nothing to confirm at this point in time.”
It is rumoured the firm has been eyeing up land close to A5117.
If a bid for planning permission is successful, the town can look forward to another major employment boost.
When IKEA came to Warrington in 1987 – its first in the UK – 200 jobs were created.
Justin Madders, Labour group leader on Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “It would be another fantastic draw to bring in people from outside the area to the town and create more jobs.
“After we secured Marks & Spencer for the authority people are beginning to see it is a premier destination.
“It will be fantastic if it happens.”
The store would be a stone’s throw from what is to become the second biggest Marks & Spencer store in the country.
Cheshire West and Chester spokeswoman Laura Johnson confirmed IKEA would receive a warm welcome to Ellesmere Port from the council.
