Finger licking plan: KFC could open Hobart store
Plans for a new KFC in the Hobart CBD has caused confusion, after it was revealed the Harrington St site earmarked for the store was previously approved for an apartment complex. DETAILS >>
Business
Don't miss out on the headlines from Business. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Plans for a new KFC in the Hobart CBD has caused confusion, after it was revealed the Harrington St site earmarked for the store was previously approved for an apartment complex.
A development application for the new KFC is currently being assessed by planning officers at the City of Hobart.
Concept images online have shown what the store will likely look like, with the design including a dining area and drive through.
The building will be single storey, 7.5m high and is expected to be 261 square metres of floor area.
The franchise is planned for the corner of Harrington and Patrick St, which is currently occupied by an old Jacksons Security building.
But before the plans for the KFC were lodged, the site in question had been approved for a different development back in 2019.
Residential apartments spanning across three of the four levels were set to be built at the site, including nine two bedroom apartments, three one bedroom apartments and one three bedroom apartment.
The ground floor was planned to support two retail tenancies, along with a car park and lobby.
Hobart Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the change of plan was baffling.
“It’s a surprising development given the site has the approval for apartments, 39 multiple dwellings, which would be very much appreciated in Hobart at the moment,” Ms Reynolds said.
Ms Reynolds wasn’t aware of the change before plans for the new KFC surfaced.
“It’s a mystery,” Ms Reynolds said.
“I’ll certainly be asking why there was no interest in pursuing this proposal.”
Before the DA for the new KFC was lodged, a different project had been approved for the site
Hobart City Councillor Bill Harvey said the project had fallen off the radar.
“It went through the planning process and was rejected the first time,” Mr Harvey said.
“It then came back with modifications and it was a better proposal and to see it not get built is a disappointment.”
Mr Harvey said the 39 apartments would have gone a long way in providing much needed housing.
“I was quite disappointed to think we’ve gone from 39 units that could potentially be part of the solution to housing and homelessness to a KFC store,” Mr Harvey said.
“People are complaining we don’t have enough multi-residential developments in Hobart and that the council isn’t approving them, however that’s not the case.
“What the problem is is getting them built.”
New KFC store could open in Hobart CBD
Years after its popular Liverpool Street store closed its doors for good, it’s been revealed KFC could soon open a bigger store in Hobart’s CBD.
A development application for a store on Harrington Street is being assessed by council officers, with documents detailing the plan made available online last Tuesday.
The store would be located on the corner of Harrington and Patrick Street, which is currently occupied by an old Jacksons Security building, which will be demolished if the council approves the plan.
A KFC carpark with 20 spaces including two accessibility spaces would be built in the lot next to it, which is currently a private carpark.
“The store is situated where non-driving customers is likely to be attracted,” the plan’s traffic assessment says.
“Pedestrians will be able to access the restaurant without the need to negotiate the car park.”
The site is located next to what was the Waratah Hotel carpark and is now the construction site of part of Bethlehem House.
Concept images have been released showing what the store will likely look like, with the design including a dining area and drive through.
“In this regard, the drive-through lanes along the Harrington Street and Patrick Street frontages will be enclosed by a precast concrete structure with glazing,” the plan says.
“The structure will be connected to the restaurant by a series of rafters that will form an exposed canopy.
“The structure will be supported by retaining walls below that will be constructed to the respective frontages.”
The building would be a single storey at 7.5m high and is expected to be 261 square metres of floor area.
It’s proposed the store operate between 6am – 10pm Monday through to Saturday and 7am – 9pm on Sundays and public holidays.
Once the development application is assessed by council officers, a recommendation will be made to the Hobart Planning Committee on whether it the DA should be approved or rejected. It will then be up to the committee to decide if it progresses.
The full plan can be viewed on the council website and is currently open for community feedback.
More Coverage
Join the conversation
Why global money is rethinking ‘anything but China’ trade
Big investors are preparing to play in China again, but the wild swings are not for the faint hearted.
Read more
Why more investors put their money before the environment
Sustainable investing has been a growth area in recent years but a new study suggests some people are putting it on the backburner.
Read more