Gateway to happiness as work begins on Krispy Kreme factory and outlet

There’s a ‘hole’ lot of excitement in the Territory as construction begins on a long-awaited confectionary outlet.

Construction has begun at Palmerston’s Gateway Shopping Centre of the long-awaited Krispy Kreme factory, drive-through and outlet.

The new facility is being built just to the west of the shopping centre and promises production of tonnes of the circular, sugar-coated tastebud tantalisers every year.

Site-work underway for new Top End Krispy Kreme factory and outlet in Palmerston.

Krispy Kreme is yet to respond to a request for details but the latest blockbuster development is too good to keep secret from the Northern Territory public.

It’s anticipated the new outlet will be operating by the middle of next year.

It was first reported in 2018 that Krispy Kreme was looking for a location to open its first Territory store.

Krispy Kreme is known for its special edition or limited release doughnuts, including Pokemon-themed treats.

It wasn’t until April 2021 the beloved US doughnut manufacturer submitted a development application in the Territory.

The application, which was obtained exclusively by this publication, proposed building a Krispy Kreme drive-through at Gateway.

The development plan showed the drive-through would be attached to a new BP service station and car wash on the corner of Roystonea Ave and Gateway Rd in Yarrawonga.

The space would also include 35 car parks, and a drive-through lane with space for 10 vehicles.

“The Krispy Kreme facility is integrated with and located within the same building, and includes a production area, retail area and drive-through service lane and window,” the planning report said.

The Gateway Shopping Centre in Palmerston. Picture: Justin Kennedy

It is not yet clear if the service station will go ahead but it is understood Krispy Kreme is keen to proceed with the project.

Excitement hit near fever-pitch when an ‘opening here soon’ sign was erected at the site in May 2021.

But later that year reality kicked in.

A combination of Covid-19, which made site visits more difficult from interstate, and planning issues got in the way.

A Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics spokesman said the application was deferred to allow Krispy Kreme an opportunity to resolve “access and traffic management safety issues”.

DIPL has been contacted for comment.