KFC is still coming to Gainsborough

Demolition of the old Magistrates Court in Gainsborough G130328-4a

A number of residents and traders had heard the fast food outlet had abandoned its plans to build on the old magistrates court site.

Rumours quickly began to circulate that there may be a problem with the development after work appeared to stop on the site.

But a KFC spokesman confirmed on Monday that work is going ahead as planned - with the restaurant still scheduled to open at the end of the year.

She said there had been a break in work on the site as one contractor had been employed to demolish the existing building, with a second contractor coming in to start the new build.

The spokesman added: “We’re delighted that work has started on the site of our new drive-through restaurant which will open towards the end of 2013.”

“The restaurant will create approximately 40 career opportunities in the gainsborough area.”

The news will come as a relief to many who are eager to see the derelict site in Roseway off Church Street transformed.

Built in 1975, the old court had lain empty since it closed in 2008. It had become rundown and was attracting vandals and anti-social behaviour.

When granting the planning permission at the end of 2012, councillors described the site as ‘an eyesore’.

They said they hoped the new restaurant would complement other developments happening in Gainsborough and help attract more trade and visitors to the town centre.

The plans will see a brand new drive-through restaurant and car parking, which will be accessed via Roseway.

Artist’s impressions released at the start of the year show a modern, bold and striking design in KFC’s branded red and white colour scheme.

The drive-through will be largely glass-fronted on the side facing Roseway - in keeping with the many windows of the face of the cube-like Gainsborough Methodist Church which is just next door.

l Are you happy that KFC is still coming to Gainsborough? Do you think it will be a benefit to the town?

We would like to hear from you.

Email us at [email protected] or write to us at Gainsborough Standard, Unit 1b, Britannia House, Marshall’s Yard, Beaumont Street, Gainsborough, DN21 2NA.