Parramatta. Possible site for US retailer

The US-based Costco Wholesale, the world’s 12th largest retailer, is seeking an amendment to a draft Parramatta local environment plan (LEP), to permit its second outlet in Australia, on a vacant 69,000-square-metre industrial site, at 181 James Ruse Drive, Camellia, which was formally occupied by James Hardie and owned by Sydney Water. The LEP aims to permit big-box bulky goods retailing such as Bunnings and Officeworks. The proposed Costco project is not currently permitted as it would include the sale of foodstuffs and clothing. The company proposes to open its first Australian store, in Melbourne, in July.