Just months after Ikea vowed to leave its landmark chimneys untouched, ideas about possible uses for the towers are being considered by the Swedish furniture store.

An inspection of the landmark towers has prompted bosses at the Purley Way store to brainstorm ideas on how they could be used, including turning the base of one of the chimneys into a museum dedicated to the history of the site before Ikea was built.

However, a newspaper article reporting that Ikea was thinking of building a revolving restaurant at the top of the towers, linked by a viewing platform, has been played down by the store.

No planning application has been submitted to Croydon Council for any such development and a spokesman for Ikea said: "Ikea can confirm that the chimneys were discussed in the interview but there was a misunderstanding with regards to their intention.

"The idea for turning the chimneys into a revolving restaurant was an idea generated by the newspaper and it is too early to say if there are any plans for the chimneys from Ikea."

Last September it was feared that Ikea would demolish the chimneys as part of the store's expansion after bosses revealed it cost £70,000 to maintain them.

Ikea claimed the structures were too dangerous and expensive to look after but just a month later, after public opposition to the proposals, the store promised to leave the towers alone and vowed to continue to preserve the landmarks.

This is not the first time an idea for a revolving restaurant has surrounded proposals for the chimneys.

When developer the Carroll Group acquired the former power station site in 1987, it unveiled ambitious plans to turn it into a retail and entertainment complex called the Powerhouse.

As well as shops, a cinema and a bowling alley, the development's focal point was a revolving restaurant situated in the top of the towers.

However, the plans never materialised and the land was bought by Ikea a few years later.