Costco plans huge new UK store with 250 jobs in Kent

Costco is pushing ahead with plans to expand further in the UK, with a new large-scale store proposed for Aylesford.

The American members-only retailer has launched a public consultation on building its first warehouse in Kent, on land near Junction 5 of the M20. If approved, the site would open around 2028 and include not just a massive retail space but also a petrol station.

The planned warehouse would cover around 13,000 square metres and is expected to create about 250 jobs for the local area.

Costco already operates nearly 30 warehouse clubs across the UK, including locations in London, Manchester and Birmingham. The move into Kent would fill a gap in its network, with the closest current store sitting in Thurrock, Essex.

Before submitting a formal planning application to Tonbridge and Malling Borough Council, the company is asking residents and local businesses for feedback. A public exhibition is scheduled in Aylesford, along with an online consultation later in May.

Reactions so far are mixed. Some locals welcome the convenience and potential savings from bulk shopping, while others are concerned about increased traffic around an already busy junction.

The new site is part of Costco’s wider UK expansion strategy, with the company actively searching for multiple new locations across the country.