According to newspaper Publico building got underway after the group was granted its construction licences in May following a long and controversial process in which six business associations are still trying to plug the project with an injunction.

Ikea is investing in the region of €200 million in its new store, a shopping centre and a retail outlet, and expects to create around 3,000 direct and indirect jobs.

The Swedish group aims to inaugurate the store next year.