Metro Vancouver’s first Costco Business Centre is visibly moving closer to reality in New Westminster’s Queensborough district. While an official opening date remains unannounced, recent signs and site activity indicate that work is underway to transform the former Lowe’s building into this specialized warehouse store. This development marks a significant retail addition for the region, aiming to serve local businesses and potentially altering traffic patterns in the area.
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What is a Costco Business Centre?
Unlike standard Costco warehouses primarily catering to household consumers, Costco Business Centres are designed with business owners in mind. They stock a wider array of products in bulk, including restaurant supplies, janitorial items, office supplies, and unique business-specific merchandise. While individuals with a standard Costco membership can shop there, the product selection is distinctly different, focusing on operational needs rather than typical groceries or clothing. This New Westminster location will be the first of its kind in Metro Vancouver.
Costco Business Centre New Westminster Coming Soon Sign at Queensborough
Location Details and Site Development
The future home of the Costco Business Centre is situated at 1085 Tanaka Court in New Westminster. This large 13-acre property is located near Queensborough Landing Outlet Mall, adjacent to Value Village and Starlight Casino.
Repurposing the Former Lowe’s Building
The site previously housed a Lowe’s home improvement store, which operated from 2012 until its closure in 2023. Developer Beedie acquired the property in June 2024. Plans submitted for the Costco Business Centre involve largely retaining and repurposing the existing building structure. Modifications include removing the roofing from the former Garden Centre area and making other minor exterior changes. The completed store is expected to span approximately 142,400 sq. ft.
Aerial view of future Costco Business Centre site 1085 Tanaka Court New Westminster former Lowe's
Development progress has been confirmed by the City of New Westminster, which issued a development permit for the project on February 7, 2025. While the building’s entrances are currently boarded up, the appearance of a large “Coming Soon!” sign outside signals that preparations for opening are advancing. The extensive parking lot is also slated for reconfiguration, which will involve widening stalls and slightly reducing the total number of parking spots from 587 to 522.
Boarded up entrance of future Costco Business Centre building
Community Reaction: Excitement Meets Traffic Concerns
The prospect of a new Costco Business Centre has elicited mixed reactions from local residents. Many have expressed considerable excitement, particularly those who currently travel to locations outside the immediate area for similar business-focused wholesale shopping. The convenience of having this specialized store closer to home is a major point of enthusiasm.
Empty parking lot with construction equipment at planned Costco Business Centre site
However, the planned opening also raises concerns about potential traffic impacts. The Queensborough area, and particularly access via the Queensborough Bridge, is already known for congestion. Some residents worry that the new large-format retailer will significantly increase traffic volume, leading to further delays and headaches for commuters and locals.
Outlook and What’s Next
With the “Coming Soon!” sign now posted and development permits issued, construction and interior work are likely progressing. However, Costco Wholesale has not yet provided an official opening date for the New Westminster Business Centre. Prospective shoppers and businesses will need to await further announcements regarding the store’s completion and grand opening timeline.
This New Westminster location is part of broader expansion plans for Costco in the region; the company reportedly has plans for at least two additional standard warehouse stores in Metro Vancouver. Currently, British Columbia is home to 14 Costco locations, seven of which are within Metro Vancouver. The addition of the Business Centre will diversify Costco’s offering in the regional market.
