Developer pushing ahead with new KFC Hobart store after tribunal win

A new KFC store will be built in Hobart’s CBD, years after the closure of a franchise on Liverpool Street. Here’s when it’s expected to happen.

Artist’s impression of the Harrington St entry of the proposed Hobart KFC

Hobart looks set to get a new KFC store in the CBD, as a developer pushes ahead with the plan after a tribunal quashed a council decision to reject the store.

In June, 2022, the plan for the new fast food outlet, complete with a drive-through, across 209-213 and 215-217 Harrington St was rejected by the Hobart City Council, over concerns around traffic and that it would be too close to St Mary’s and St Virgil’s colleges.

The developers, Joint Property Group, launched an appeal with the Tasmanian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

The Mercury can reveal the appeal was successful, after parties came to an agreement in May, and the council issued a permit with conditions around lighting and hours of operation.

Artist’s impression of the Patrick St perspective of the proposed Hobart KFC

“We’re fortunate that the initial decision overturned in the planning tribunal though mediation process,” Joint Property Group principal development manager Steve Chau said.

“It took a long time but we’re happy to get a satisfactory outcome.

“The design was kept, the concern was one of noise and traffic flow, there were amendments made to accommodate those concerns.

“The neighbouring properties are really supportive, we had some backlash from St Marys, the principal was vocal about traffic concerns.

“The busy periods wouldn’t be during the school’s drop off and pick up times … the traffic situation shouldn’t be highly impacted.”

Hobart used to have a KFC store in the Hobart CBD, on Liverpool St, but it has been closed for several years.

Artist’s impression of the Harrington St entry of the proposed Hobart KFC

Mr Chau said there was a big appetite from the public for the new franchise.

“At the moment, you have to go to Kingston, Rosny or Glenorchy,” he said.

“Tasmanians support KFC extremely well, so we expect the outlet to do very well.”

There are still more steps in the approvals process, including building approval.

The developer hoped to submit documentation to the council by the end of this year.

“Hopefully we’ll get those approvals through council in the first part of next year,” Mr Chau said.

“Hopefully building will start before mid next year, and we want to have it complete by the end of next year.

“We’ll be going out to tender for the job toward the end of this year with local building companies.”

The franchise will be operated by Collins Foods group, which owns the majority of KFC stores in Tasmania.