The journey to furniture superstore Ikea could soon be a lot shorter for Swindonians if the firm is successful in its search for a site for a new store in the town. TOM MORTON reports

FLATPACK furniture giant Ikea says it is looking for a site in Swindon.

The Swedish company says it is optimistic that it will soon find a place to open a store a move that could bring more than 500 new jobs.

A spokeswoman said: "We have been looking at site opportunities in Swindon for a considerable amount of time.

"We are currently in dialogue with landowners and developers to try to bring forward a store for development.

"It is premature to make any announcements, but we remain very optimistic that Ikea fans in the area shall be able to enjoy the presence of a local store in the future."

At the moment the nearest Ikea store is in Bristol, with others in Cardiff and London.

It is thought that Ikea is looking at a site close to Swindon town centre.

Swindon Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dennis Grant said: "We as a chamber welcome Ikea. It would not just be an addition of a store we have not got.

"It is a lifestyle brand that appeals to the younger set, and given that we are looking to encourage more people to move in to regenerate the town centre, Ikea fits perfectly."

As well as the furniture, Mr Grant pointed to the market section selling houseplants and the restaurant as valuable additions to Swindon's range of shops.

And he said: "Ikea is known as a destination in the retail trade.

"People will travel to come to Ikea, which is why it would be good for Swindon."

Ikea has been rumoured to be opening in Swindon for a couple of years. In 2002 it said it hoped to open a Swindon store within three years to cater for the Swindon to Gloucester area, and it has been linked in the past to the Renault building, Blunsdon Abbey stadium and the Orbital Retail Park.

The jobs created would include chefs, carpenters, interior designers, cash office and warehouse workers.

Tom Morton