First look at planned Costco store in Melbourne’s west

Get the wallet and the purse ready, there’s a new superstore coming to Melbourne’s western suburbs. See the plans.

The location where retail giant Costco plans to build a new store in Melbourne's west as part of a $150m expansion has been revealed.

Last week, Brimbank Council released a planning proposal submitted by the American retailer for public comment.

The proposed development at 740 Ballarat Rd, Ardeer seeks permission to demolish the existing warehouse and construct a 14,252 sqm Costco store with an 18 bowser service station.

Costco Australia managing director Patrick Noone said the company was “excited to share” the new Ardeer site, which will house speciality departments, including an optical centre, hearing aid centre, tyre centre and fuel station.

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

More than 800 carparking spaces will be provided at the site, including space reserved for future development of 20 electric vehicle charging stations.

Victoria is home to four Costco stores and two petrol stations in Docklands, Ringwood Moorabbin and Epping.

In June, Mr Noone announced plans to spend as much as $150m to open three new stores in Victoria – identifying Officer, Melbourne’s west and Geelong as potential sites.

“We are growing quite nicely, and Melbourne is a big city, it is growing faster than any other and for us business isn’t slowing down in Melbourne,” he said.

“Melbourne is a growth area and we’d like (to) build there as soon as we get the approvals.”

Planning documents filed with the Brimbank City Council reveal Costco's plans for a new store in Ardeer. Picture: Costco via Brimbank City Council

The massive 14,252 sqm site will include more than 800 carparks. Picture: Costco via Brimbank City Council

Mr Noone, who has led Costco in Australia since it opened its maiden store in Australia in 2009 in Docklands, said the investment in three new stores for Victoria would represent about $50m per new store.

Many nearby residents have welcomed the news, however some believe it may impact local businesses.

“Costco is not everyone‘s cup of tea but man, am I excited,” one woman shared on social media.

“I will keep supporting our local shops and not some … company who doesn’t give a toss about us,” another said.