THE practical completion ahead of schedule of a new KFC drive-thru on the Westpark 26 business park in Chelston, Wellington, was being celebrated this week.

South West property developer Summerfield Commercial is now handing over the building to KFC for fit-out ahead of its opening.

The drive-thru restaurant will create about 30 new jobs for the town on top of 1,100 already brought to the area since 2009 with Summerfield’s development of the 40-acre mixed use business park.

The strategic location of Westpark 26, coupled with the accessible travel routes, has made it a desirable base for many businesses.

The new KFC rive-thru at Westpark business park, Chelston, Wellington.
The new KFC rive-thru at Westpark business park, Chelston, Wellington. (Tindle News)

Following completion of the KFC restaurant, Summerfield will focus its attention on Westpark’s plot 19, near the centre of the business park.

It plans to build two new terrace blocks of mixed-use commercial units which are already receiving a good level of interest.

Summerfield managing director James Holyday said: “The completion of the KFC building is a milestone for the business.

“We are pleased to have concluded all frontage plots at Westpark 26 and celebrate the development of more than 275,000 sq ft of property over the last 15 years.

“The business park is a thriving hub for many companies across the South West and we look forward to turning our attention to further development on the site.”

A view inside the near-complete KFC restaurant at Chelston, Wellington.
A view inside the near-complete KFC restaurant at Chelston, Wellington. (Tindle News)

Commercial director Ben Trickey said: “We are pleased to have completed the drive-thru ahead of schedule and welcome the addition of new jobs to the area.

“This adds to the line-up of amenities on Westpark and we thank Devon Contractors for working with us seamlessly on another successful project.”

Devon Contractors contracts manager Nick England said: “We have been delighted to carry out a further design and build development at Westpark 26 for Summerfield.

KFC's new drive-thru restaurant at Chelston, Wellington, has been built out earlier than scheduled.
KFC's new drive-thru restaurant at Chelston, Wellington, has been built out earlier than scheduled. (Tindle News)

“The fact the new drive-thru with electric charge provision has been completed ahead of schedule is a testimony to the great teamwork between client, designers, contractor, and sub-contractors.”

The KFC restaurant site will also have 31 parking spaces, with 12 as dedicated electric vehicle charging spaces operated by Gridserve.