Developer Sunland’s 35-storey One Marine Parade development just weeks away from committee

IT could be KFC-you-later for one of Labrador’s most popular fast-food eateries as developer Sunland pushes ahead with plans for a 35-storey tower.

GCB Artist impression of Sunland's One Marine Parade development earmarked for the Labrador KFC site

IT could be KFC-you-later for one of Labrador’s most popular fast-food eateries as developer Sunland pushes ahead with plans for a 35-storey tower.

One Marine Parade, a mixed-used tower proposed for the location of Marine Parade’s KFC restaurant, will feature 217 units and is set to put the days of finger-lickin’ chicken for the site in the past.

City leaders including area councillor Dawn Crichlow say they are excited for the project, which is expected to go before the council’s planning committee by midyear.

KFC Labrador. Picture: Mike Batterham

Sunland last year filed plans for a 25-storey two-tower development on the site but has since scrapped it in favour of the single taller tower.

Cr Crichlow said she would play a major role in talks over the development, which she hopes will directly lead to the creation of a public roller-skating rink.

“I can’t prejudge things obviously but this building would be in a terrific position with views all the way around the Broadwater,” she said.

An artist’s impression of Sunland's One Marine Parade development earmarked for the Labrador KFC site.

“That land, other than the KFC, has been mostly empty for a while and would create a great entrance across the Loaders Creek ridge.

“I am hoping we can get some developer contributions out of these project so we can get the roller-skating park I have been planning and if they offer to build it I think that would be great.”

But not everyone is happy, with the KFC one of the area’s most popular venues, where long lines of cars regularly queue up at its drive-through.

Pictured at the KFC Labrador that is set to close, Kaitlin Anderson with children in her care Ayva O'Doherty, 2, Hayden Maher, 10, and Lovelyn Shipman, 12. Picture: Mike Batterham

Nearby resident Lovelyn Shipman, 12, who passed through the drive-through yesterday said she was saddened to hear the home of Zingers and fried chicken would be replaced by a high-rise.

“It is pretty sad because I have had some great memories coming here with my dad and my mum,” she said.

“I will miss it because I really like the food here and it means we will have to drive all the way to Runaway Bay.”

An artist’s impression of Sunland's One Marine Parade development earmarked for the Labrador KFC site.

According to documents filed with the council the project would have a total of 374 carparks.

It would include 169 two-bedroom units, 69 three-bedroom apartments and six four-bedroom units.

Sunland boss Dr Soheil Abedian was not available for comment last night.

Newly re-elected city planning boss Cameron Caldwell said One Marine Parade would create “an entry statement” for Labrador.

“This development represents urban renewal of an under-utilised Broadwater location,” he said.

“The council will do a thorough assessment and the matter will be considered in due course”.

KFC were contacted for comment by the Bulletin but did not respond by deadline.

An artist’s impression of Sunland's One Marine Parade development earmarked for the Labrador KFC site.