Bunnings Rockhampton: Drive-thru approved for Yaamba Road, Park Avenue site owned by Coles

A 24/7 drive-through development was approved earlier in the year to be located in the corner of the former Bunnings site on Rockhampton’s northside, but which operator will open in the space?

Rumours have been flying over which fast-food outlet will move into a new development at the former Bunnings site in North Rockhampton – but the truth is, one hasn’t been locked in yet.

Development plans for a 24/7 drive-through food and drink outlet to be located in the southwestern corner of the site, towards the Bruce Highway, were approved by Rockhampton Regional Council earlier this year.

Colliers Brisbane has begun leasing inquiries for the site, in partnership with Coles which owns the site.

The Morning Bulletin understands they have been pitching the site to national tenants and local operators.

Given the proximity to existing stores, it seems unlikely McDonalds, Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster, or KFC would take up the site – all have eateries within a 3.6km radius.

That gives an opening for operators such as Carl’s Jr., which only has a store on the city’s southside, a local operator such as Gus’ Coffee which is poised to open its first drive through at Yeppoon later this year, or a totally new offering for the area such as Taco Bell or Oporto.

Taco Bell has rapidly expanded in Australia in recent years, with its closest stores to Rockhampton located in southeast Queensland or Townsville.

Oporto’s closest store to Rockhampton is on the Sunshine Coast.

“The development application for the Yaamba Road site was approved in April, 2021,” a Coles spokesperson said.

“We are currently considering potential tenants for the site and look forward to sharing more details with local shoppers as the development progresses.”

The development is on a 2000 sqm site and the building will have a gross floor area of 247 sqm with indoor dining and a drive-through.

The existing former Bunnings building is not affected by the development.

The property sold to a Sydney-based company, Brownfields Nominees Pty Ltd, in November 2018 for $9.9 million.

The Morning Bulletin revealed last month the company was connected to Coles.

While Coles was not able to confirm details, it is understood there are plans for a new supermarket at the site.

The food and drink outlet development approval is now in place for six years.