An artist's impression of the new KFC planned for Hastings.
An artist's impression of the new KFC planned for Hastings.
A resource consent application has been lodged for a long-rumoured second KFC in Hastings.
A nearby business owner says it’s a surprise and he’s worried about the impact on the business he only moved into last month.
Restaurant Brands, the company that operates and owns the New Zealand masterfranchising rights for KFC, has applied for resource consent to Hastings District Council.
The company wants to build a new KFC drive-through restaurant at 914-916 Heretaunga St East.
Women’s Fitness Studio currently sits on the site next to what remains of The Vege Shed, a fresh fruit and vegetable store that shut down at the end of March.
A plan of the proposed new KFC in Hastings on Heretaunga St East.
The new restaurant would be at the back of the property behind 15 car parks, with the drive-through snaking around the rear of the building.
There are also plans for an 8m high KFC bucket sign on Heretaunga St East.
A council spokeswoman said the resource consent application would be assessed, and a decision made on whether or not the new restaurant plans will be publicly notified.
The spokeswoman added there was no timeframe on when that decision would be made.
In Restaurant Brands’ application, the company states effects on pedestrians and noise levels would be less than minor and there would be no adverse impact on transport.
It also stated the new building’s footprint would be smaller than the Heretaunga St West KFC restaurant and compatible with the character and amenity values of adjoining residential activities.
A few metres down the road sits the Heretaunga Superette.
This shop was taken over by Sourbh Dutt and his family in July.
Heretaunga Superette sits across the road from where the new KFC would be. Photo / Jack Riddell
He was unaware a KFC could be built opposite his new shop when he took over the store, and has mixed feelings.
“Maybe it will bring more customers to this area and be good for everyone, but it could also run down other businesses,” Dutt said.
“It’s already pretty hard right now in the market to start a new business, but with the new franchises going in, it’s going to be way harder for small businesses to succeed.
“You can’t compete with the big franchises as they have more buying power and more price control. It’s going to be hard for us, but there’s nothing much we can do about it.”
Nadeere Lakmla lives across the road from proposed new KFC and looks forward to it opening. Photo / Jack Riddell
Nadeere Lakmla lives across the road from the site in a home he owns.
He told Hawke’s Bay Today the new KFC will be an amazing opportunity for the area and a good thing for the community.
