Banyards is proud to have delivered Commissioning services for IKEA’s new flagship store at 214 Oxford Street, part of a landmark £22.8 million renovation project spanning 239,000 square feet across seven floors. As the Client Verification Consultant, Banyards provided independent assurance on the performance and compliance of all engineering services, helping transform a historic building into one of IKEA’s most ambitious and environmentally conscious UK ventures.

This high-profile project in central London represents a pivotal moment in IKEA’s UK expansion. The Grade II listed building underwent a meticulous three-year renovation, with Banyards overseeing the commissioning process from start to finish. Every mechanical, electrical, and public health system was rigorously tested and validated to ensure it performed in line with design and operational criteria. Banyards’ role was critical in delivering a modern retail space that not only meets today’s high-performance and sustainability standards but also respects and preserves the building’s historic character.

The Oxford Street store opens to the public on Thursday, 1st May 2025, and reflects IKEA’s new city-centre retail model—sustainable, accessible, and tailored to urban living. Spanning three floors of the seven-storey building (comprising the ground and two lower ground levels), the store features 5,800 square metres of retail space packed with home inspiration, one-of-a-kind London-inspired room sets, planning hubs for kitchen and bedroom design, and a 130-seat Swedish Deli.

IKEA’s Oxford Street location is not just another store—it’s an experience. The layout guides visitors from curated displays on the ground floor, through innovative roomsets and personalised planning services one level below, down to the market hall where over 3,500 home furnishing accessories and small furniture items are available for immediate purchase. For larger items, IKEA provides flexible delivery and collection options to suit city lifestyles.

The store’s opening marks the culmination of a deep environmental retrofit overseen by Ingka Investments, IKEA’s parent company. Sustainability enhancements include:

• Replacement of fossil-fuel boilers with energy-efficient air source heat pumps
• Installation of secondary glazing to improve thermal insulation
• Careful restoration of the historic façade and heritage lift lobbies
• A new lighting scheme to complement the building’s architecture
• Restoration and preservation of the original Victorian roof lantern on the 4th floor

These interventions aim to secure a BREEAM ‘Outstanding’ sustainability rating—the highest recognition available for environmentally conscious building design.

Banyards’ long-standing relationship with IKEA continues to evolve through this flagship project. Having provided Commissioning Verification services at multiple IKEA sites across the UK, Banyards brings national expertise, consistency, and a high level of technical consultancy to every development. Their role ensures that IKEA’s buildings not only function as intended from day one, but also support the brand’s sustainability and performance goals.

David Cocksedge, Director at Banyards, commented:
“We’re proud to be part of this iconic project supporting both Avison Young and IKEA. Our work at 214 Oxford Street, and at IKEA sites across the country, reinforces the importance of independent commissioning verification in delivering sustainable, high-performance buildings. It’s about giving our clients peace of mind and delivering buildings that work as designed from day one.”

Clive Withers, Director at Avison Young, said:
“Well done David and Team, 1st class and professional service as ever from Banyards supporting services completion at this wonderful yet complex scheme.”

With a continued focus on performance, sustainability, and compliance, Banyards remains a trusted leader in commissioning consultancy across the UK, playing a crucial role in delivering high-quality, future-ready buildings.