Costco plans to expand with new petrol station in the north-east

Costco aims to bring affordable fuel to the north-east with a new filling station.

Wholesale retail giant Costco is making headlines with its plans to establish a new petrol station in the north-east of Scotland. This proposed filling station will be situated near its mega store at the Arnhall Business Park in Westhill, specifically on Endeavour Drive. If approved, this will mark Costco’s first foray into the petrol market in this region, with the nearest existing station located in Edinburgh.

Costco’s strategy for affordable fuel

Costco has built a reputation for offering competitive fuel prices, often undercutting other retailers by approximately 5p per litre. This pricing strategy is part of a broader initiative, as the retailer has announced plans to create petrol stations at most of its UK locations. Currently, Costco operates 20 petrol stations across the country, exclusively available to its members. To access these savings, customers must pay an annual membership fee of £33.60, which also grants them access to discounted bulk purchases in-store.

Details of the proposed filling station

While the plans for the new petrol station are still in the early stages, preliminary documents submitted to Aberdeenshire Council indicate that the facility will include 12 electric vehicle charging points. This move aligns with the growing demand for electric vehicle infrastructure, reflecting Costco’s commitment to sustainability. Notably, all Costco petrol stations operate on a self-service basis, and the Westhill location is expected to follow this model, lacking the convenience store typically associated with Costco outlets.

Impact on the local business landscape

The introduction of a Costco petrol station is a significant development for Westhill’s industrial estate, which has seen changes in recent years. Last year, three nearby business plots were put on the market, including Kingshill Park, Kingshill Commercial Park, and Prospect Park, with a combined asking price of £34.5 million. These properties, owned by Aberdeen-based Knight Property Group, are being sold to reinvest and continue their industrial development program. The arrival of Costco’s petrol station could further enhance the area’s appeal, attracting more customers and businesses alike.

As the plans progress, local residents and businesses will be keenly watching how this development unfolds. Costco’s expansion into the north-east not only promises to provide affordable fuel options but also signals a shift in the local economic landscape, potentially bringing new opportunities for growth and investment.