Costco coming: Ipswich favourite to lure retail giant

THE BATTLE is heating up to lure US supermarket giant Costco to the region.

THE BATTLE is heating up to lure US supermarket giant Costco to the region.

While Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale says Costco is looking at two Ipswich options, Logan City Council has confirmed it has been in talks with the chain for several years and Toowoomba has talked up its chances of attracting an outlet.

Cr Pisasale said the company was viewing either the $350 million Metroplex Westgate development around the old Wacol army barracks or the Springfield region.

• CLICK HERE FOR MORE IPSWICH NEWS

Costco has confirmed it is looking to establish at least one new store in south-east Queensland. The company has seven warehouses in Australia.

Costco spokeswoman Kyla White said the company wanted to expand in Queensland and was looking to open "a couple" of stores next year.

"We are obviously very interested in expanding further in the Queensland market. North Lakes has been a really great warehouse for us," Ms White said.

Logan residents have overwhelmingly said they want Costco to come to Logan. Picture: Bidgee / CC-BY-SA-3.0

"We hope to open another couple of locations next year but at this point in time we don't have any approvals or any sites actually locked in."

The chain opened its only Queensland warehouse at North Lakes in November, 2013. The $35 million North Lakes project created about 80 construction jobs and 330 employment opportunities in full-time, part-time and casual positions.

Cr Pisasale said Costco realised they need to be where the growth was in the western corridor and thought their planning was right.

"No matter where they go it is going to be a great boost for our region, whether it is at Springfield or Wacol, and I'm looking forward to welcoming them with the community with open arms. It will help bring a significant economic boost to the city, it will bring significant job creation and where they position it in either of those areas it will mean the labour market will come from this area.

"This is the fastest growing area in the state, they have to be here and I look forward to working with them when they make up their mind.

"Both sites meet the criteria. There's not too many parcels of land that would suit their strategic plan and their vision. They work on population, they work on positioning and arterial roads and both those areas satisfy. I suppose they'll be looking at what the best deal they can get."

Originally published as Costco coming: Ipswich favourite to lure retail giant