Whittlesea Council approves $30 million Costco store in Jovic Rd, Epping

BULK-BUY retailer Costco will open its third Victorian store in Epping after winning approval for the $30m store.

Epping will soon be seeing scenes like this at the Costco opening in Ringwood last month. Picture: Jason Edwards.

BULK-BUY retailer Costco will open its third Victorian store in Epping.

The US warehouse wholesaler, which opened its first Australian store at Docklands in 2006, received approval from Whittlesea Council to develop a site at Jovic Rd.

Construction is expected to start on the $30 million project, backing on to Epping Plaza, by late 2014.

Costco Australia regional marketing manager Kyla White said the wholesale retailer identified Epping as a potential site "a few years ago".

"We will commence development of that site within the next 12 months," she said.

"All further timelines will be dependent on when the developer commences work on the site."

The development will include a Costco Gasoline petrol station, tyre outlet, bottle shop, cafe, hearing aid centre, optometrist, photo processing centre and 746 car parking spaces.

Whittlesea Mayor Mary Lalios said Costco's move to Epping would be a great boost to the economy.

"The development will bring over 300 jobs to the area, plus residents will have the convenience of having a Costco on their doorstep adding to the vibrant mix of retail options available in our area," she said.

Costco operates as a membership warehouse club where, for a $60 annual fee ($55 for businesses), members get discounts on bulk items.

The Costco proposal will include the extension of a road from Cooper St, between The Northern Hospital and Epping Plaza, to Deveny Rd.