Pacinos, Project Mex building to be knocked to make way for GYG and Banjo’s bakery drive-through

The former Pacinos and Project Mex building on the fringe of Rockhampton’s CBD is going to be knocked down so a new development with two fast food outlets can be built. See the plans here.

The former Project Mex building is set to be knocked down.

Work has begun to demolish the former Pacinos and Project Mex building on the corner of George and Fitzroy streets to make way for two fast food sites.

Earlier this year, plans were lodged with Rockhampton Regional Council for a drive-through Guzman y Gomez and Banjo’s Bakery Cafe on the site.

This application remains under assessment by council planning officers.

The developers, two Rockhampton businessmen, are however forging ahead with their plans.

An application for the demolition of the building was lodged with council in October.

The former Project Mex and Pacinos building to be demolished.

In recent weeks, safety fences have been erected around the site as Busby Demolition, Asbestos and House Removal prepares to carry out the demolition.

The building was once home to family-owned Rockhampton Italian restaurant Pacinos for many years before it relocated to The Empire, on Victoria Parade, in 2014.

Project Mex moved into the site soon after and closed in September 2020, leaving the building vacant.

Inside Project Mex just before they closed in 2020.

The site was then sold in December 2021 for $1.19 million to a company owned by two Rockhampton businessmen.

The l-shaped site that wraps around the vacant restaurant and includes vacant land on George Street and a shed structure on Fitzroy Street, settled around the same time for $1.43 million.

When the plans were lodged for the fast food development, it was noted the restaurant building and shed on the adjoining site would be demolished.

The planning documents and drawings had Mexican food brand Guzman y Gomez and Tasmanian franchise Banjo’s Bakery Cafe depicted as the tenants however, it is understood they have not been formally secured and could be subject to change.

The Guzman y Gomez building would be on the front corner of the block with their alfresco dining facing Fitzroy Street.

Plans for the Banjo's bakery cafe drive-thru.

The plans have the two businesses housed in separate buildings with their own drive-throughs, to fit 12 and 13 cars in the queue and 27 on-site car parks.

GYG would also have alfresco dining facing Fitzroy Street.

Entry and exit access points are yet to be finalised as council is not in favour of access on Campbell Lane.