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Costco will bring 160 jobs to Farnborough
By Tim HarrisMarch 05, 2013
NEW jobs will be created in Farnborough when a branch of an international warehouse chain opens in the town.
A Costco Wholesale warehouse is being built in Farnborough Business Park, Templer Avenue, and it has been confirmed 160 jobs will be created through its introduction.
The Farnborough Costco, which will sell a variety of products, was given the go-ahead almost a year ago and the firm has confirmed the expected flurry of employment.
James Cheesemore, of Costco, said: “The Costco warehouse will generate well-paid employment for 160 people and jobs will be created in a number of categories.”
Mr Cheesemore explained this would include jobs in the bakery and butchery, fork lift truck drivers, tyre fitters, warehouse operations staff, managerial and supervisory jobs, cashiers, cleaning and catering staff.
He also said the number of employees will rise as the business matures.
Tracy Marlow, managing director of the Community Matters Partnership, which is also in the running to become a member of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce area committee for Farnborough, Fleet and Aldershot, believes the arrival of Costco will be beneficial.
“We are behind the Costco,” she said. “The potential to be able to offer local people the opportunity to work is brilliant for the area. There will be the potential for young people to enter into apprenticeships, training opportunities and careers in the retail industry.
“There will also be variety for shoppers – I would say it is a very positive step.”
But it was not good news for everybody when Rushmoor Borough Council granted planning permission for the Costco, as a number of retailers in the area had objected to the original application.
An objection was submitted on behalf of the Princes Mead shopping centre and Knight Frank Investors, the agents for the landowner, on the grounds Costco would be of ‘detrimental impact on the vitality and viability of Farnborough town centre’.
Another objection was submitted on behalf of Asda Stores, arguing it would have an ‘adverse impact on town centre retailers, including Asda’.
Mr Cheesemore responded to the objections and said: “The issue of any negative impact on other traders in local centres was fully demonstrated as part of the planning application and found to be negligible.
“Costco Wholesale’s core customer is small- to medium-sized businesses, many of which are located in town centres, and we will offer substantial benefits to their supply chains. The benefits of offering low-price wholesale goods to small businesses is that we can make a significant contribution to the health of the local economy and the local area.”
The council approved the plans on the basis the proposals would offer employment and other economic benefits. Mr Cheesemore said the ground work is near completion and the erection of the building will begin in the week of March 4. It was hoped the warehouse will open in early summer.
Most recent user comments 3 of 3
08/03/2013 at 15:22 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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Hence Asda's 'issue' - mind you they and the other high stret monsters have been putting local business out of business for years so.... man up Asda etc welcome to some competition you can't grind down
08/03/2013 at 14:13 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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Not exactly like for like competition rather the opportunity for improving the competitive offers from shops and restaurants in the area who will benefit from Costco's value proposition.
And that, as they say, is business.
07/03/2013 at 16:39 Offensive or Inappropriate?
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