CONSTRUCTION on a new KFC branch in Weymouth town centre has begun – and it could be open by Christmas.
The fast food chain, which already has a restaurant and drive-through in Jubilee Close, previously submitted plans to move into a unit on St Mary Street, formerly occupied by jewellers Warren James.
KFC has applied for a change of use from a former retail shop to hot food takeaway as well as replacing the shopfront and installing plant and extraction system.
The proposed hot food takeaway, which would be open between 10am to 11pm throughout the week, would also employ 40 members of staff.
KFC has already begun recruiting for roles including cooks and team members while the planning application is under consideration by Dorset Council.
Weymouth Town Council's Planning and Licensing Committee has reviewed the application and the council has no objection to the proposals.
A spokeswoman for KFC said confirmed that work has been ongoing behind the scenes and that bosses hoped to open in December.
A spokeswoman said: “We’ve been working hard behind the scenes to open a flapping new restaurant in Weymouth’s town centre.
"We can’t wait to settle in bringing with us 40 new local jobs and your favourite KFC meals just in time to celebrate the holidays - Colonel style.”
Large white hoarding surrounds the unit’s store front as workers continue to prepare the new restaurant for its opening behind the scenes.
The application shows a new store front would be installed along with three illuminated signs. Inside the store, a number of tables would be installed for dine-in eating, while three touch screen order points will be in place to allow customers to order their food.
The first floor will be occupied by a staffing area while the second floor will be vacant.
The application states KFC would provide a positive boost to Weymouth town centre as the unit has been empty since January.
The design and access statement reads: “Furthermore, when appraising the planning merits of the proposal, regard must also be had to how the proposal would enhance the vitality and viability of Weymouth town centre, given how the application premises have been vacant for six months and the detrimental impact of that vacancy upon the town centre."
The application notes that while McDonald's is nearby the proposed KFC site, there would not be an ‘over-concentration' of takeaways and ‘not would it significantly increase the number of late-night entertainment uses in the area'.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel