Work to build the IKEA complex at Caliços in Loulé near the junction of Loulé-Sul and the A22 is progressing well, despite fears that the project could be in jeopardy.
Doubts about the project’s future surfaced after reports of the possible suspension of the construction of an IKEA store in Vila Nova de Gaia in the north of Portugal. Loulé Mayor Seruca Emídio told Lusa news agency: “IKEA representatives have assured us that the investment in Loulé is to be maintained.”
Ana Teresa Fernandes, public relations for IKEA Portugal, said: “The design of the IKEA project in Loulé is progressing according to plan. Everything will be kept as we previously announced.”
The Swedish retail chain hopes the store and shopping centre Inter IKEA will open in 2015.
Investment in the project is more than €200 million and it is estimated to create 3,000 jobs.
