Costco megastore step closer in Christchurch

A Costco megastore in Christchurch is a step closer with the government giving the US-based company the go-ahead to lodge a fast-track application.

Minister Tama Potaka said Costco's referral application for the planned development has been approved.

"A referral application is a request for the Minister to consider whether a project should enter the Fast-track approvals process," he said in a statement.

The proposed Costco would be built between Avonhead Road and Memorial Avenue.

Costco would now need to submit a substantive application and provide additional information, Potaka said.

John Plato who is the co-founder of Christchurch marketing and advertising agency Plato told Morning Report that having a Costco in Christchurch would be "massive".

"It's really just another feather in the cap for Christchurch, you know being able to attract international investment of that scale, so I think it's hugely exciting for the city."

The only Costco store in New Zealand is at Auckland's Westgate and opened three years ago, although a second store is planned for Drury in Auckland.