Construction all a go for Costco at Perth Airport
Western Australia's first Costco store is on track to open its doors in early 2020 with construction work gathering pace at the Perth Airport site.
The new Costco will be a massive 14,000m2 of building area - more than three times the size of a normal supermarket, and will include an Optical Centre, Hearing Aid Centre, Tyre Centre, and a petrol station.
Perth Airport Chief Corporate Services Officer Debra Blaskett said Costco will revolutionise shopping in Perth and Costco's decision to be based on the Perth Airport estate underlines the increasing strategic importance of Perth Airport as a retail hub.
"Costco needed somewhere that could provide space for their warehouse with connectivity to freight routes, and still be close and accessible to the shopping public from across Perth - Perth Airport ticks all those boxes," Ms Blaskett said.
"It will be a welcome addition to the Airport West Retail Park which will be situated next to the DFO, creating one of Perth's premium destination retail locations."
Ms Blaskett said the Costco project is creating significant employment opportunities on the airport estate.
"This project will provide a fillip to the WA economy, generating about 200 construction jobs, and another 275 retail jobs when it opens next year," Ms Blaskett said.
Costco Australia Managing Director Patrick Noone said Costco will present a whole new way of shopping for Perth consumers.
"There is nothing like Costco in Perth. By simply offering a no-frills warehouse experience with the highest quality products at the best possible prices, we hope to quickly and firmly establish ourselves in the market. We also add a layer of competition to the market and extend the choice of the consumer," Mr Noone said.
"Members will be able to buy everything from fresh food and electronics to clothing and cleaning supplies, all in one warehouse. There will also be the added value of our specialty departments, such as our optical centre, hearing aid centre, tyre centre and fuel station.
"We are excited that Perth Airport is the location for our first store in Western Australia given its proximity to the CBD, the great transport links, and the way it's becoming a consumer-focused retail hub."
Construction partner Georgiou CEO Rob Monaci said the project had been on their radar for the past 18 months.
"Over the past year or so, we've established a good relationship with Perth Airport. We have a solid understanding of the challenges that come with construction around airspace and building on Federal land. We look forward to building on our relationship with Perth Airport, developing a new relationship with Costco and working in partnership to change the landscape at Perth Airport," Mr Monaci said.
Costco is a membership warehouse, dedicated to offering high quality products at the best possible price. Customers will be able to purchase everything from fresh food and white goods to jewellery and watches.