A possible location for Kent’s first Costco has been revealed.
People are being asked for their thoughts on the wholesaler being built on a plot of land next to the M20 in 2028.
Costco is opening a store in Kent. Picture: Chase Commercial
Costco Wholesale has launched a consultation on its plans, which would see a new warehouse and petrol filling station off Coldharbour Lane in Aylesford.
The 13,000m2 warehouse is expected to create at least 250 jobs for local people.
A Costco Wholesale spokesman said: “Before applying to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council for planning permission, we’d like to present our proposal to the local community and provide an opportunity for residents and businesses to provide feedback.
“We’ve invited the neighbours of our proposed site to the public exhibition, and we hope that people from across the area will visit our consultation website.”
An online consultation is also being launched on May 31. You can view it here.
Costco is asking for people’s views on a new Kent site in Aylesford. Picture: Costco
In 2023, KentOnline revealed the bulk-buying chain was looking at opening in either Maidstone or Medway.
Now, it’s been confirmed that Costco is eyeing up Aylesford as its latest location.
A statement about the wholesale warehouse plans said: “We will shortly be consulting on our plans to build Kent’s first Costco Wholesale warehouse club on a vacant plot of land just south of Junction 5 of the M20.”
People can give their views at a public exhibition on Tuesday, April 28, between 2pm and 7pm at Capel Morris, RBVE Village in Hall Road.
The company added: “We are keen to hear your views as part of our community engagement.”
Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council (TMBC) leader Matt Boughton commented: “Costco are hosting an exhibition to hear your thoughts on a new warehouse in Aylesford.
“The site they have identified is west of the Coldharbour roundabout at Junction 5 of the M20, where the site compound was for the recent road widening.”
The current closest store is in Lakeside, Essex. KentOnline previously looked at the impact Costco’s arrival could have on the county.
The American company stocks a variety of supermarket products and some luxury goods, as well as electronics, furniture, appliances, jewellery and more.
Previously, Justin Parker, director at Chase Commercial, which partnered with Costco to open new stores in the UK, said: ‘’We are really pleased to be partnered with Costco Wholesale UK to deliver further warehouse clubs for them throughout the UK.
“Costco has an excellent planning and performance track record and are entirely self-funded.”
You can find more details here.