Reaction as Ikea in talks to buy Churchill Square in Brighton

Dozens of people took to social media to have their say on the possible purchase of the city’s shopping centre.

Talks to sell the mall have been under way for months and it is understood Ikea recently put forward an offer of £175 million.

Ikea’s bid for Churchill Square was announced by commercial property news outlet CoStar, though the company would not discuss it.

Plenty of residents were excited by the news.

Kt Elizabeth said: “That would be amazing.”

Alan Hoad said: “Fantastic.”

Lorraine Roberts said: “Brilliant.”

Donella Stone simply said: “Meatballs.”

Cherie Fay said: "Better than a B&M or Range I suppose, John Lewis would have been better."

Karen Wilkinson said: "Brilliant news."

But many people said they would rather see a new B&M in the city.  

Ryan Hill said: “Need a B&M or Range.”

Louise Stoner said: “Should be B&M.”

Kat Lecheminant-Pay said: “Would've rather a B&M.”

Others were not so sure about the possible takeover.

The Argus story explains Ikea's interest is expected to mean existing shops could remain as that happened when another shopping centre was purchased.

But some feared the shops could go.

Jack Hawkins said: “Turning Debenhams into Ikea - fair enough? But the whole centre and get rid of all the shops - surely people don’t want that?”

Jason Stott replied to Jack Hawkins saying: “flat pack burgers ...”

Kirsty Horn said: "A lot of the current shops inside the shopping centre could relocate along western road and north street as there are quite a few empty sites."

Pete Plumb said: “Thought they pulled out of Lancing because of people's changing shopping habits. If they do put an Ikea here that's a laugh.”

Elaine Roberts said: “Maybe they won't change anything just own the centre.”

Elizabeth Bennett said: “Wish we could have a Lidl closer but thought Lancing better option.”

David Wallach said: “So it will cost you more to park than a chest of drawers then.”