The mayor of High Wycombe says he is “disappointed” that Costco will not be opening its highly-anticipated warehouse in the town – and is set to quiz the district council on the future of the site. 

The Bucks Free Press revealed last week that the wholesale chain has decided against opening a new store at Cressex Island in Crest Road, despite backing from Wycombe District Council (WDC). 

Following the revelation, Cllr Brian Pearce, town mayor, said it was a “great shame” that the store would not be opening, adding that he would like to see a big store like Dunelm move there. 

He said: “A lot of residents will be very disappointed that they aren’t coming.

“Myself and other residents did have reservations about how the roads would cope, but you have to look at the bigger picture and I think it would have been great for the town and the economy.

“It would have given the town a better image and would have bought more jobs to High Wycombe.”

Cllr Pearce hopes to quiz WDC on the future plans for the site at the next full council meeting, but says he would like to see another big chain move into the area. 

He said: “A store like Dunelm would be great, especially as we already have John Lewis and Next, or a big DIY shop. It is an ideal location close to the motorway.” 

Costco decided against opening a new cash and carry warehouse at the former park and ride in a bid to concentrate on their existing warehouses – the closest being in Watford or Reading. 

Plans for the warehouse, which would have had a 586-space car park and created 250 jobs, had been in the pipeline since 2015.