Time Line

July 2001- And So It Begins It was more than 15 years ago the words 'IKEA' and 'Exeter' began appearing together. A spokesperson for IKEA confirmed that the home furnishing behemoth was looking to create a branch of IKEA in Exeter. But, as with most large-scale developments, their main stumbling block at the time was finding a suitable site. But one suggestion was for it to "go on Matford Park or a new retail park at Digby." During preliminary talks with development officers they were told to "consider a smaller scale development." At the time the council worried it would take trade away from the city centre, contravene planning guidelines on out-of-town shopping developments, and cause traffic chaos.

August 2001 - A Lack Of Ambition? Dramatic scenes unfolded inside the Civic Centre when a motion was put forward by council members accusing the controlling authority of having "a lack of ambition" after the negativity over IKEA's bid to move to the city. The motion called for the authority to urgently renew talks. It was the same month neighbouring Mid Devon District Council told them that if they didn't want it - they would have it at the junction of the M5 at Willand. Hopes were then put on hold until "at least 2005" because of the lack of a suitable site.

March 2013 - Earmarked In April 2002 it emerged that IKEA had considered opening a branch on the Sowton Industrial Estate. The former SWEB call centre at Osprey Road was earmarked before IKEA went cold on their plans for the city. More than 10 years later, IKEA returned with a decision to site IKEA on land off the A379. They revealed that they had been in lengthy talks with the city council about a location, and had settled on the area near Sandy Park.

October 2013 - First Glimpse Outline store plans were registered with planners, including plans for between 180 and 220 homes off Newcourt Way. IKEA said they had engaged with more than 2,000 members of the community and listened to their feedback. It was at this point it was confirmed that Exeter would get a "standard" warehouse IKEA store with a restaurant, and not a downsized version. Councillor's were recommended to approve the plans.

January 2014 - Backed The outline plans were unanimously backed at a planning committee - after being told that around £14m of trade would be diverted from IKEA's Bristol store. They were fully on board after Richard Short, who remains ECC's head of planning, said the positive effect on businesses in Exeter could be worth up to £19.5m with an additional 390,000 annual linked trips into the city centre.

April 2015 - In Limbo The long wait for final plans continued into 2015, with an opening date pushed to 2016. IKEA said they continued to work on the detailed planning application which would include scale and massing, a new road and the materials they would use. It would remain in a design stage limbo until September 2016.

June 2015 - Bigger Is Better IKEA was forced to reassure residents after its major announcement regarding downsized 'High Street' outlets gave many a massive fright. The news prompted speculation that our store would fit this less impressive model instead - but IKEA confirmed that Exeter was getting the real deal - a full sized warehouse branch.

September 2016 - Relief The wait for the final plans was over in September. The announcement came as a great relief to many, following the many years of rumours, speculation and worrying reports about the uncertain future of the scheme. Doubts had set in as they only had until January 2017 to follow up that approval with a detailed application The expiration would have completely erased the groundwork in place so far, and sent the company back to the drawing board.

December 2016 - Behind Closed Doors With surprisingly little fanfare, the final plans were given the thumbs' up on Friday, December 16. Full approval for its reserved matters application was quietly granted by the city council on Friday. The massive decision was made by planning officers with delegated powers. Councillors who sit on Exeter City Council's planning committee felt there was no aspect of the plans "which concerned them" – and so the major development was not decided in committee.

April 2017 - Ground Works The diggers took up residence as works began in earnest at the beginning of the year at the site. The 116,000 sqm plot of land was excavated for signs of Bronze Age and Iron Age settlements by Cotswold Archaeology. It was around this time job roles began to be advertised on the company's website, offering £33k for some roles in Exeter.

May 2017 - Who's The Boss Tantilising details began to trickle from the Swedish giant in the beginning of May, including when the store is expected to open. An IKEA spokesperson has said IKEA's 21st store will open in early summer 2018. IKEA revealed the store will employ 350 people, recruited locally who will all be paid at least the real living wage. We were told who the boss of the branch would be: Nicholas Earle, who as strong family links to North Devon.

May 2017 - Breaking New Ground Later that month a huge milestone was reached for the project - with the official ground breaking ceremony. Retail Manager Gillian Drakeford and Exeter Store Manager Nick Earle were joined by Lord Mayor Lesley Robson and Council Leader Peter Edwards. And Devon Live was given a wealth of new information about the store. IKEA has invested £80 million in the site and will be the retailer’s most sustainable store to date - aiming to achieve 100% renewable energy. The store expects to receive a BREEAM ‘excellent’ accreditation and will incorporate a number of green technologies such as Solar PV panels on the roof, rainwater harvesting and ground source heating. Electric vehicles (E.V.) will be used for home delivery, and IKEA will provide eight electric vehicle charging points on site. IKEA will also create new cycle lanes around the store and will also provide six electric bike charging points. IKEA say they are working with local transport providers to improve existing transport links around the store. Gillian Drakeford commented: “In our 30 anniversary year, our new Exeter store highlights our commitment to continued expansion and investment in the UK. "As part of our growth plans, we aim to make IKEA as accessible to as many people as possible, and we are delighted to be able to bring our home-furnishings expertise to Exeter and the surrounding area.”

August 2017 - True Blue Anyone who has passed the site will notice the recognisable blue shell being fitted onto the 28,000sqm 'skeleton' of the building. It comes as IKEA announce their role in a new jobs fair next month. Around 70 employers are expected to exhibit at the Exeter Jobs Fair at the Corn Exchange on September 15 - including IKEA. It will be held from 9.30am to 2pm.

November 2017 - Big Blue Box Aerial photos reveal that almost all of the blue cladding around the building is complete. IKEA is still recruiting for roles at the new store with it set to open in early summer 2018.