Great news for all you Penangites! Y’all are getting your first IKEA store in Penang by the third quarter of 2018.
According to Ikano Private Limited, owner of the IKEA franchise in Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand, work at the Batu Kawan location had already begun while preparations for a 24-acre plot development is currently underway.
The launch of Penang’s IKEA store will mark Malaysia’s first opening outside Kuala Lumpur, following the IKEA outlets here in Mutiara Damansara and the recent one in Cheras. Those living in the Northern region at Penisular Malaysia will be able to enjoy the convenience of getting their goods directly from the store that is closer to home.
Known for its contemporary architectural designs for different types of appliances and furniture as well as eco-friendly designs, the popular Swedish home furnishing store is said to be the key component in turning Batu Kawan into the future city of Penang. Both Ikano and the Aspen Group are collaborating on creating a new metropolis where people can live, work and play.
“The IKEA vision is to create a better everyday life for the many people. We expect to do that by bringing our affordable range of functional home furnishings to the people of Northern Malaysia in 2018, along with hundreds of solid jobs and spin-off opportunities for the local community,” said Ikano’s Managing Director, Christian Rojkjaer.
The joint venture between Ikano and Aspen will also include condominiums, office towers, an international school, a Columbia Asia Hospital and a 24-acre park in their long-term development plan.
UPDATE (20th February, 10:35am):
According to Places & Foods, the new IKEA outlet in Penang will be located at Aspen Vision City (AVC). For those that aren’t familiar, AVC is not far from the 2nd Penang Bridge and next to Penang Design Village Outlet Mall.
New condominiums in the 24-acre park are currently selling at RM600 per square feet in Penang Design Village.
Sources: The Star, Penang Property Talk, Places & Foods.
