REVEALED: When Ipswich Costco is expected to open

TODAY Costco revealed details for its Bundamba warehouse.

IPSWICH residents will likely be shopping at the state's newest Costco by next Christmas.

Today Costco revealed details for its Bundamba warehouse including plans to open before the end of 2018.

The massive site, opposite the Puma travel centre, will cover 13,750 sq m - the equivalent of two football fields - and create 280 permanent jobs.

RELATED:

>>Top 10 most popular items sold at Costco, North Lakes

>>BREAKING: Costco hints at plans for third Queensland store

The on-site petrol station will include 24 bowers with 825 car parking spaces for the main warehouse.

Construction will take about eight months and create another 80 jobs, but there are still some minor hurdles before building can start.

The development application lodged with the council on August 31 is yet to be approved, however, Mayor Andrew Antoniolli said that should be finalised within the month.

Costco Managing Director Patrick Noone said the warehouse would stock all the latest products from the US, including seasonal items such as Halloween and Christmas decorations.

But he also stressed the company was supportive of local business and sourced a lot of its produce locally.

"For example, our beef products for North Lakes store come from Toowoomba," Mr Noone said.

Cr Kylie Stoneman, Costco managing director Patrick Noone and Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli at the site for the Bundamba Costco. Picture: Rob Williams

Today was the first major Ipswich development announcement since Cr Antoniolli became mayor, but he didn't take all the credit.

Instead Cr Antoniolli acknowledged the hard work of his predecessor, Paul Pisasale, who spent years campaigning on behalf of the city to ensure Costco picked Ipswich.

"I'm the sort of person who gives credit where credit is due," Cr Antoniolli said.

"You don't just take bows for someone else's work. It would have been poor form for me to suggest I brought this here.

"The former mayor had a lot of involvement in enticing Costco here and rolling out the red carpet, as it were.

"As civic leaders that's part of what we need to do, to bring investment such as this for the benefit of the community as a whole."

Costco employeesKaren and Lauren are excited about the announcement of a Bundamba store. Picture: Rob Williams

Cr Antoniolli also acknowledged the significance of the news, particularly the creation of new jobs, following last week's shock announcements two major businesses would close.

Costco's North Lakes store opened in 2014, bringing more competition to market and driving down prices, most notably in the fuel sector.

This is commonly referred to as "the Costco effect" which has been clearly displayed at the North Lakes store.

"We will have the lowest prices and it's up to others to compete with that," Mr Noone said.  

Costco will offer two types of membership: Business, worth $55 and Gold Star, worth $60.

Business members qualify by owning or operating a business while Gold Star membership is available to individuals.

The store will be open seven days a week. 

Costco will likely open in Ipswich before the end of 2018.

Originally published as REVEALED: When Ipswich Costco is expected to open