A major new retail development is officially on the way to Melbourne’s outer south east, with Cardinia Shire Council approving plans for a new Costco Wholesale store in Pakenham.
The planning permit, approved at a council meeting on 18 May, applies to 130 Greenhills Road and paves the way for a large restricted retail premises alongside a service station, signage and extensive car parking.
Set on a huge 6.2 hectare site at the corner of Greenhills Road and Kooweerup Road, the development will sit within the Pakenham South Employment Precinct, an area earmarked for major industrial and commercial growth.
The proposed Costco is expected to become a key anchor for the precinct thanks to its large scale bulky goods offering and significant customer drawcard appeal. The site has also been identified as state significant industrial land and aligns with the broader vision laid out in the precinct structure plan.
For locals in Melbourne’s rapidly growing south east, the development is set to bring more than just bulk groceries and giant food court hot dogs. Council says the project is expected to create local employment opportunities and support further investment in the surrounding area.
The approval comes with a range of conditions aimed at ensuring the project is sustainable and well integrated into the precinct. These include requirements for road upgrades, drainage works, landscaping and environmental management measures before construction can move ahead.
There is still more planning work to be completed before building can begin, with further detailed plans and approvals required as part of the next stage of the process.
This would be the fifth Costco in the Melbourne metropolitan area, alongside existing stores at Ardeer, Epping, Moorabbin and Ringwood.
