IKEA submits plans for click and collect service in Peterborough

The retail giant said is looking to introduce the service at its distribution centre at Kingston Park, off Fletton Parkway.

If the plans are approved it would be a boost for city shoppers as the nearest outlet is currently in Milton Keynes.

The application submitted to the city council includes plans for a new warehouse and “external alterations to provide a customer click and collect facility”.

Approached for comment by the Peterborough Telegraph, an IKEA spokesperson said: “Plans have been submitted to Peterborough to make minor amendments to the existing planning consent we have for the IKEA building. We did not build out the whole of the planning permission we had consent for and the full extent remains live for us to be able to build when we choose.

“As part of the amendments we have incorporated the possibility for a click and collect operation. This has not yet been confirmed (by the council) and therefore we cannot provide any further details at this point.”

The distribution centre off Fletton Parkway has been in operation for the past 15 years.

The IKEA application includes detailed plans from SRA Architects, which states: “The development will result in the provision of additional jobs and further establish IKEA’s commitment to the Peterborough facility and wider area.”

The statement said click and collect was part of the “changing nature of retail and the evolution of online shopping”.

It adds: “Customers will be able to access the site to collect orders placed online or within store. Dedicated customer parking is provided adjacent to the click and collect point”.

IKEA’s plans include introducing a new road and dedicated walkways for pedestrians, away from the loading zones.

The security control point would also be moved to the west to “afford customers the opportunity to access the new click and collect facility without having to enter the secure area of the facility”.

It is added: “The click and collect unit will also reflect IKEA’s corporate colours to aid with customer orientation as they arrive on the site. The unit will also benefit from suitable signage in order to direct customers off the main access road.”

The council will now consider whether to approve the application.