IKEA yesterday cut the ribbon on its 'most sustainable UK store' to date, officially opening a new store in Greenwich that seeks to place the circular economy, green transport, urban living and community initiatives at the centre of visitors' shopping experience.

Located near the O2 Arena at the Millennium Way Retail Park, the 32,000 square metre store is the first full sized IKEA outlet to open in London in 14 years. It features a new 'Learning Lab' to teach upcycling and repair skills, a rooftop garden, public transport and delivery advice, as well as several cafes and restaurants.

Helen Aylett, store manager at IKEA Greenwich, said the store had been built from the ground up with sustainability and the local community in mind.

"IKEA Greenwich aims to take sustainability to the next level, not just in its design and architecture, but by inspiring and enabling Londoners to live a more sustainable life at home through our products, workshops and activities," she said.

Shoppers queued up from 6am yesterday morning ahead of the opening, which saw staff dancing to welcome in customers and a live band playing music on instruments made from recycled materials.

IKEA's 22nd British store boasts a number of new green initiatives that are being trialled for the first time in the UK by the retailer.

They include a new Learning Lab, where experts are on hand to teach customers how to upcycle, repair, and prolong the life of products, as well as how to reduce waste and grow their own food.

In addition, signage throughout the store features advice on how to reduce energy use and waste in the home, and make the most of small urban living spaces.

Meanwhile, the building itself incorporates a number of renewable construction materials and green technologies, including solar panels, rainwater harvesting, geothermal heating, and 100 per cent LED lighting. The store is aiming to achieve 100 per cent renewable energy and is targeting BREEAM 'Outstanding' accreditation, IKEA said.

The store has also been designed to be highly accessible by public transport. Tube and rail stations are located nearby and up to 50 buses pass close to the site every hour, according to the retailer.

Customers wishing to have larger items delivered or transported can also choose from bike couriers and electric van hire, in addition to 24 hour delivery for residents in the borough of Greenwich.

"Instead of bringing their cars, we're encouraging our customers to simply bring their keys, phone and wallet and we'll sort out the rest," explained Aylett.

Moreover, more than half of IKEA Greenwich staff were recruited from the local area and are encouraged to travel to work via public transport, while the store has partnered with the Greenwich Co-operative Development Agency to promote local healthy and sustainable living initiatives, it said.

Hege Sæbjørnsen, country sustainability manager at IKEA UK & Ireland, said the company wanted to be a "positive force for change… both for today and for generations to come".

"Sustainability is at the heart of everything we do at IKEA and moving to a circular economy is essential if we are to continue to meet people's needs and dreams while staying within the limits of the planet," she said. "IKEA Greenwich is a leading example of circular retail in London and reflects our commitment to make sustainable lifestyles easy and affordable, while also supporting customers to reuse, recycle or refresh their products."