The latest boost for Papamoa's burgeoning business community has come as finger-licking good news to city leaders tracking the suburb's growth.
KFC has announced it will open a new outlet at the former BP site on the corner of Domain and Gravatt Rds, a short distance from the newly opened Pak'nSave supermarket.
Set to open in mid-December, KFC's initial impact on the local economy will be the creation of 45 new fulltime and part-time jobs.
The 1000sq m site will comprise a 325m building area, as well as a drive-through and 39 car parks.
KFC general manager Brent Kitto said the move was part of an ongoing project by KFC's national owner, Restaurant Brands, to eye areas where new operations could be developed.
Another of those areas had been Gate Pa, where KFC created 40 new jobs when it opened a $1.2 million outlet there in July this year.
Tauranga Chamber of Commerce chief executive Max Mason said the move was another example of serious players making long-term investments in Tauranga and Papamoa's sustainable growth.
"Papamoa is clearly an area with potential for future residential development.
"The industrial parks have been affected a little by the recession but I'm confident that as the business environment picks up, residential development in Papamoa will move ahead too, and that will make some good solid contributions to the local economy."
Priority One business development manager Richard Kinzett cited the $455 million Tauranga Eastern Link as another looming boost for Papamoa.
"We see Papamoa as having huge potential as a growth area.
"KFC is a major name in the country, and this is just someone else seeing the value of the region."
The KFC site will be auctioned by Colliers International at the Sebel Hotel on November 5. The successful bidder would take ownership of the land and building, which KFC has signed to lease for 12 years at an annual rental of $182,000 plus GST.
"This is one of the very best investment opportunities I have to offer this year," Colliers International director Simon Clark said.
