Gateway Krispy Kreme deferred for months amid concerns about traffic impacts

The first Krispy Kreme outlet in the NT has been deferred while its developer tries to sort out traffic jam concerns from planners.

THE Northern Territory’s first Krispy Kreme has been caught in a jam, with its opening date delayed indefinitely over traffic impact concerns.

A development application for the drive-through doughnut outlet at Gateway Shopping Centre in Palmerston was first submitted back in March.

But the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics (DIPL) has revealed the outlet at the corner of Roystonea Ave and Gateway Rd, Yarrawonga is still sitting in limbo.

A DIPL spokesman said the negotiations were still underway between planners and developers to resolve concerns about how the Krispy Kreme’s drive-through component would impact traffic.

A (now removed) sign heralding the arrival of the Territory’s first Krispy Kreme. Picture: NT News.

“The application was deferred to allow the applicant to address feedback provided as part of the application process which includes addressing the access and traffic management safety issues,” the spokesman said.

“The department has offered to discuss access arrangements with the proponent, and the application remains on deferral at the request of the applicant, while these concerns are addressed.

“It is important that in approving any development, due consideration and regard is given to providing safe access and traffic management arrangements that ensure the safety of all road users and pedestrians, while also meeting the expectations of the community.”

The NT News could not reach the outlet’s operator, Krispy Kreme South Australia, for comment.

Boxes of Krispy Kreme have often been brought back into the Territory. Picture: Facebook

Gateway Shopping Centre manager Lynden Courtney said work was being done to ensure the traffic impacts of the new Krispy Kreme wouldn’t impact nearby arterial roads.

“Given the immense traffic flow around the Gateway site, particularly on Roystonea avenue, with approx. 40,000 car movements per day, there has been a significant amount of traffic management work to ensure customer vehicular access and egress remains smooth and successful for both Krispy Kreme and the adjacent On The Run Service Station,” Ms Courtney said.

“This has involved all parties through the development application process, primarily working with the NT Department of Transport.”

Ms Courtney could not provide a definite opening date for the new Krispy Kreme.

“Covid has also not assisted the cause, slowing all developments nationally.”

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