Australian construction group CIMIC is the winning bidder in the race to build Ikea’s first retail store in India.
The Sydney firm’s Leighton Asia division has secured a AU$70.4 millon contract to structurally facilitate the Swedish furniture retailer’s debut India store.
The contract includes the delivery of civil and structural works, mechanical, electrical and plumbing services and external works of the store and warehouse on a 5.2 hectare site.
Planned for Hyderabad, which is 600 kilometres southeast of Mumbai, the new store will cover five floors, with three levels made up of retail space, a market hall, showroom, restaurant, playground, and a day care centre. Two levels will be used for basement parking, according to a press release.
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Leighton Asia managing director Roman Garrido said the group was looking forward to developing a strong working relationship with Ikea India.
“Leighton Asia’s building expertise and proven track record in project delivery positions us strongly within India’s construction market and for developments such as this for Ikea,” said Garrido.
Construction has already started on the India flagship, which will open in Hyderabad in early 2018.
In September last year, the Swedish furniture giant announced the appointment of Patrik Antoni as Deputy Country Manager, India, to help spearhead the firm’s entry into India.
At the time of the announcement, Antoni said that following Hyderabad, Mumbai would be next in line to receive a store. He said Ikea plans to open 25 stores by 2025 in different Indian cities.