The development would have an approximate 16,090-square-metre floor area and feature a warehouse retail store, an adjoining tyre centre, and a food court and retail area. <\/p>\n
The development would be on land between Memorial Ave and Avonhead Rd, near the airport.<\/p>\n
A fuel facility would also be set up, with an associated data hut, signage, and vehicle manoeuvring areas to service both cars and trucks. <\/p>\n
Approximately 7900 square metres of “complementary large-format retail” activities would also be part of the development. <\/p>\n
New and modified road connections and vehicle access points would also be built to support the development, including removing and replacing street trees. <\/p>\n
Several “required upgrades” would be needed for roading infrastructure, as well as earthworks. <\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/the-proposed-development-would-be-built-on-empty-land-near-t-ZHW6CFBYTRCQNMBZSG6KOAEHOM.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
The proposed development would be built on empty land near the airport. (Source: 1News)<\/p>\n
The new store would need resource consents, and changes to or cancellation of existing resource consent conditions under the RMA. It would also need approval under the Wildlife Act. <\/p>\n
In a statement to 1News, Government minister Tama Potaka confirmed a referral application for the proposed Costco \u2013 a request to consider if a project should enter the fast-track approvals process \u2013 was lodged on August 31 and was approved yesterday. <\/p>\n
\u201cCostco is now able to submit a substantive application,” Potaka said. “The substantive application stage requires the applicant to provide additional information on the project. <\/p>\n
“Any substantive application would first undergo a completeness check by officials before an independent expert panel is\u202fappointed\u202fto assess the project.” <\/p>\n
He said 16 groups had been invited to give feedback on the referral application, including Canterbury Regional Council, Christchurch City Council, the Grocery Commissioner and Whitiora Centre Limited.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Fast-track process provides opportunities for feedback from specified parties at several stages, including before a referral application is lodged, during the Minister\u2019s consideration of the application, and during assessment by an independent expert panel if the project is referred.\u201d<\/p>\n
In his reasons for accepting the application, Potaka said the development would have “significant regional or national benefits”. <\/p>\n
![\"Minister](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/tama-potaka-getty-GF3PYTSACZD6NOIWWICTIK5J2A.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
Minister Tama Potaka. (Source: Getty)<\/p>\n
He said Costco would bring in around $63 million in GDP and approximately 350 full-time equivalent jobs during construction, with ongoing benefits during operation of $57 million in GDP per year and approximately 486 full-time jobs. <\/p>\n
He said the fast-track approvals process would let the project proceed faster and more cost-effectively, and align with the Government’s policy statement on grocery competition. <\/p>\n
“The Minister is satisfied there is no reason they must decline the project.” <\/p>\n
When asked for a statement on the project yesterday, Costco declined to comment. <\/p>\n