Chief Minister Katy Gallagher today joined IKEA Australian Country Manager David Hood to turn the first sod on the IKEA Canberra store.
The turning of the sod marks the start of construction on the much-anticipated store which is due to open in late 2015.
“It is exciting to see construction of this new IKEA store is now underway and that Canberrans will soon be able to shop for the popular furniture here in Canberra rather than drive interstate,” the Chief Minister said.
“IKEA establishing a presence in Canberra is great for jobs and great for our economy – and it is a vote of confidence in our city and our region.
“IKEA will directly create 280 jobs, with recruitment already underway. It will bring yet more diversification of our economy and I know the Canberra community is very much looking forward to the opening of the doors.
“We know many shoppers from Canberra and the region travel interstate to visit IKEA stores and I’m confident we will now attract those shoppers to stay here and invest their money in a local branch of the business and support local jobs and the local economy.
“This is fantastic news for our local economy and shows what exciting results can be achieved when we work closely with the private sector to create new investment opportunities.
“IKEA will provide even more reason for people from our surrounding region to visit the nation’s capital and allow Canberrans the opportunity to buy their favourite IKEA pieces locally,” the Chief Minister concluded.
(Katy Gallagher Media Release)
