Ikea shares update on Brighton Churchill Square shopping centre store

Ikea, which bought Churchill Square Shopping Centre in Brighton 2023, is set to open in the former Debenhams unit on the upper two levels this year.

The Swedish company has been working over several months to understand the everyday lives of the county’s residents through home visits and focus groups.

Insights from the research will be used to inform the design of the new store, which Ikea said will focus on providing locally relevant, functional, and sustainable home furnishing solutions, inspired by the region’s “distinct local identity”.

There is still no official opening date for the shop but the expectation is that the site will open following the launch of the furniture company’s location in Oxford Street in London this spring.

Ikea said Brighton and Hove’s diverse 280,000 strong population is “brimming with personality” and a shared pride in what makes the city “unique”.

With a median age of 38 years, the city is known for its significant student population and a strong LGBTQ+ presence. In the most recent UK census, Brighton and Hove was the local authority with the largest population of gay, lesbian, and bisexual residents, earning its reputation as the "unofficial gay capital” of the UK.

The company found Brighton's homes are a mix of rented and owned properties, with a notable trend towards renting compared to the rest of England. Half of households in Brighton own their homes, while the other half rent, in comparison to the national average of 35 per cent renting and 65 per cent owning.

Ikea said common frustrations for residents include lack of storage space, difficulty personalising rental properties due to restrictions enforced by landlords and the challenge of creating multifunctional spaces in small homes.

With 39 per cent of residents dreaming of a built-in wardrobe solution with sliding doors, addressing the widespread need for more storage across all areas of the home will be a priority in the new store. Innovative, space-saving designs will give inspiration how people can maximise their living spaces, regardless of size. 

Rooms are often multifunctional, as 31 per cent of homes have their dining table and chairs in the kitchen and half of bedrooms feature televisions. Many of the inspirational areas in the new store will focus on providing versatile furniture that can adapt to various activities and needs.

For renters and those in shared accommodation, easy-to-install and removable decor and storage options will aim to give ideas for how to personalise spaces without violating rental agreements.

The store will open in the former Debenhams (Image: Alex Rumford)

The new Brighton store will also feature a range of solutions that will help people live a more sustainable life at home, including products made from renewable and recycled materials, energy-efficient lighting, and water-saving solutions.

Ikea said the bedroom, particularly for those in shared accommodation, is the primary private space making personalisation and efficient use of space crucial. Storage solutions for clothes, personal items, and working from home are essential to meet the needs of residents who often use their bedrooms for multiple purposes.

In terms of kitchen spaces, Ikea said the new store will feature kitchen displays that highlight space-saving ideas and multifunctional furniture to inspire residents.

Despite the compact nature of many homes, outdoor spaces are highly valued in Brighton. Gardens, balconies, and even small patios serve as vital areas for relaxation, socialising, and enjoying the city's mild climate. Flexible, storable outdoor furniture is in high demand to maximise space throughout the year.

Read more: Ikea says its new Brighton shop will improve lives

Lisa Ward, life at home expert at Ikea UK, said: “At Ikea, we strive to create a better everyday life for as many people as possible. To achieve this, we need to understand how people live and the challenges they face in their living situations. By doing so, we can create a fantastic store filled with bespoke room sets and home furnishing solutions relevant to the Sussex area’s wants and needs. This makes for a tailored shopping experience, helping people to live more functional, sustainable, and beautiful at home, all at an affordable price.

“Above anything else, visiting Brighton residents to learn about life in the city has been great fun. From colour drenched interior design to houseplant obsessions and thrifted ‘street treasure’ transformations, these homes are brimming with personality.

"By interviewing and listening to people's needs and aspirations for their homes, we can better showcase ideas and solutions to help them achieve the home of their dreams. This understanding will be at the core of our new store, ensuring we meet the unique needs of the Brighton community.

“Our next step now is to plan the store meticulously, ensuring every detail aligns with the insights we've gathered. We are incredibly excited about this new chapter and look forward to opening our doors in Brighton, where we can bring locally relevant solutions to life for the vibrant community here.”