Auckland (The NZ Today)
Costco’s long-anticipated move into Christchurch is starting to take clearer shape, with new documents revealing a large airport-side development that could bring the wholesale retailer to the South Island for the first time.
According to details published through the Government’s fast-track process and reported by 1News, the proposed site sits between Memorial Avenue and Avonhead Road, close to Christchurch Airport.
The main Costco warehouse would cover about 16,090 square metres and would be joined by a tyre centre, food court and fuel station.
The wider project would also include about 7900 square metres of additional large-format retail space, meaning the development would extend well beyond the warehouse itself.
The proposal would require significant work around the site, including new or altered road access, vehicle circulation areas, earthworks and upgrades to nearby roading infrastructure.
Costco lodged its fast-track referral request on August 31, with the Government approving that first-stage application this week.
That approval does not amount to final consent.
Costco can now lodge a more detailed substantive application, which would first be checked by officials before going to an independent expert panel for assessment.
Government minister Tama Potaka told 1News that 16 organisations had been invited to comment on the referral stage, including Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and the Grocery Commissioner.
The Government’s assessment says the project could deliver a sizeable economic boost during both construction and operation.
Around 350 full-time-equivalent jobs are estimated during construction, alongside about $63 million in GDP contribution.
Once operating, the site is forecast to support around 486 full-time jobs and contribute roughly $57 million a year to GDP.
The project would still need further approvals, including resource consents and permission under the Wildlife Act.
Costco declined to comment to 1News on the latest development.
The retailer currently has one New Zealand store at Westgate in Auckland, which opened in 2022, while a second Auckland site is planned for Drury.
If the Christchurch proposal clears the remaining approvals, it would mark Costco’s first South Island store and a major expansion of its New Zealand footprint.
Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger has also welcomed the proposal, telling 1News the development could bring more jobs and another major retail option to the city.
Source: 1News reporting; Government Fast-track Approvals material.
