Building work starts on Epping Costco, set to open in early 2018

THE first steps in building the new Costco in Epping have begun, with road upgrades around the site underway.

An example of what the Costco store in Epping will look like.

WORK has started on the Costco site in Epping.

Pacific Epping, which owns the land that the American discounter will be built on, has begun upgrading and building a number of roads around the 13,788sq m store site.

Road works include an extension of Childs Rd, through Deveny Rd to Edgars Rd.

Whittlesea Council approved the $30 million Costco store in 2013 however it isn’t due to open until 2018.

RELATED: Whittlesea Council approves $30 million Costco store

An example of the fit out of a Costco store.

“Costco has been progressing with the various approvals required under the applicable permits, and this includes plans and requirements for the construction of roads associated with the Costco development, including Deveny Rd,” Whittlesea Council director planning and major projects Steve O’Brien said.

The original development was met with concerns from Northern Health who were worried the extension of the road from Cooper St, between Epping Plaza and the Northern Hospital to Deveny Rd, may be used as a ‘rat run’ by commuters.

The road is the main access to the hospital for emergency vehicles.

However Northern Health spokesman Ryan Brown welcomed the developments.

Examples of what the Costco store in Epping will look like.

“Northern Health has no concerns regarding the development of Costco to the south of the Northern Hospital,” Mr Brown said.

“Northern Health has a good working relationship with its neighbours and will continue to have open dialogue.

“The proposed development won’t have any impact on emergency services, patients or families accessing the Northern Hospital.”

Pacific Epping is the fourth Victorian site chosen by Costco in nine years.

It will be the second Costco in Victoria with a fuel station and will create more than 250 fulltime and part-time jobs.

What the fuel station may look like in Epping.

Costco Australia managing director Patrick Noone said they were excited to be a part of the community.

“We feel it is the perfect location for us, offering convenience for our rapidly expanding membership in this area,” Mr Noone said.

“We look forward to being an integral part of the growth in Melbourne’s North.”

Building will start later this year and be completed in mid-2018.