After years of sitting vacant, the former service station site in Jesmond could soon be home to a new, relocated KFC.
Plans were recently lodged with City of Newcastle (CN) for a $3.6 million fast-food restaurant.
The development at 25-27 Blue Gum Road, near Jesmond Central, would include a dual-lane drive-through, 12 car parks and signage on the site next door to the Jesmond Fruit Barn.
The locale has remained empty since demolition approvals were granted in 2008 and 2018.
It is zoned for commercial use.
KFC is seeking to operate from 6am to 11pm Sunday to Wednesday and until midnight Thursday to Saturday.
This is with an average of 12 workers during the day and a minimum of three overnight.
At peak periods, the KFC is expected to attract 100 vehicles in both the entry and exit points.
During public exhibition, four submissions raised concerns about odour, noise, traffic and flooding.
In response, the plans were amended, including the removal of a driveway onto Blue Gum Road.
“The applicant has elected to remove the Blue Gum Road crossover from the plans,” the assessment report states, with vehicles instead entering and exiting via William Street.
Flooding was among the more complex issues raised.
Dark Creek runs along the site’s eastern boundary and modelling showed the property could be fully drowned in a significant weather event.
Engineers designed the building floor to sit above council’s flood planning level, with the drive-through lane raised on a suspended slab so water can pass beneath it.
The design also includes a dedicated refuge area inside the building where staff and customers can shelter if they cannot safely evacuate.
Council has reviewed flood modelling, contamination reports and acoustic assessments.
The proposal will generate employment opportunities and provide a convenient, accessible hospitality site to satisfy the demands of a range of local residents.
A decision on the application is yet to be made.
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