Uncertain Future for Taco Bell Project in Whanganui

Uncertain Future for Taco Bell Project in Whanganui

An Unconfirmed Future for Whanganui’s Taco Bell

A year after receiving the green light from local authorities to construct a Taco Bell on Victoria Ave in Whanganui, Restaurant Brands is still unable to confirm if, or when the project will commence. The company spokesperson has revealed that there are no defined timelines for the construction, and even the certainty of the outlet being specifically a Taco Bell is unclear.

Consent Granted but Construction Delayed

In May 2022, Restaurant Brands applied to the Whanganui District Council for consent to construct a single-storey Taco Bell store equipped with a drive-through. The council granted the consent in September of the same year, and the proposed plan included nine queuing spaces in the drive-through and 51 restaurant seats inside the store. The company also requested permission to carry out earthworks within the drip line of a protected London plane tree on the site.

Indefinite Timelines and Possible Change of Plans

The company spokesperson stated that they could not provide specifics on the project’s timeline, as they did not want to disappoint fans if the timelines were to be altered. Additionally, they clarified that there have been no setbacks, implying that the delay is part of the normal construction process. The site chosen for the proposed restaurant, 437-441 Victoria Ave, has been vacant since 2013 when the previous establishment, Caroline’s Celtic restaurant and bar, was destroyed by a fire.

Speculations around the Delay

Although Restaurant Brands has not cited specific reasons for the delay, it is possible that the company is reconsidering the feasibility of the project in light of changing market conditions or other economic factors. The uncertainty over whether the outlet will specifically be a Taco Bell also suggests that the company may be considering different options for the site.

Implications for Whanganui and Taco Bell Fans

The delay and uncertainty surrounding the Taco Bell project in Whanganui may disappoint local residents and Taco Bell fans who were looking forward to the opening of the restaurant. However, it is important to note that these delays are not unusual in large construction projects, and the company’s commitment to not disappointing fans suggests that they are careful to manage public expectations.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the future of the proposed Taco Bell in Whanganui remains uncertain. While the company has assured that there have been no setbacks, the lack of a defined timeline and the possibility of a change in plans leaves room for speculation. Despite these uncertainties, the anticipation for a potential Taco Bell restaurant in Whanganui remains high among its residents and fans alike.