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Councillors support redeveloped fast food store

A derelict Rockingham fast food restaurant looks set to reopen, more than six years after it closed its doors.

City of Rockingham councillors backed a bid from American restaurant chain KFC to redevelop the Patterson Road franchise, which closed in 2007.

In a report put before the council, City senior planning officer Erika Barton said officials received a number of complaints about the dilapidated, vandalised and unsafe building since it closed, but recommended members refuse the restaurant’s application, on the grounds that proposed works did not fit with policies laid out for the development of the Waterfront Village.

“The proposed development is considered inconsistent with the primary centre Waterfront Village zone objectives, by not providing a contiguous and activated street frontage,” she said.

“Whilst redevelopment of the area will not occur immediately, it is envisaged that it will occur over the next 20 years — a commercial building such as the one on the site would have a life span of approximately 20 and 50 years.”

But councillors disagreed and voted to support the refurbishment, on the conditions at least 28 car parking spaces were provided, lawns established, surrounding areas reticulated and irrigated, and lighting be installed.

It was agreed that having an eyesore on the main road in the Waterfront Village sector had a negative effect on the city’s image.

Renovations are expected to include a new entry, indoor seating area, kitchen, drive through booth, two new cool rooms and KFC branded signage.