WELLINGTON’S KFC is still on course to open despite fears the fried chicken chain had given up on opening its Chelston restaurant.

A social media post in a group for Wellington residents prompted shock and disappointment after it announced the KFC plot at Westpark was up for sale.

Some residents took to Facebook to express their disappointment in the apparent cancellation of the scheme, while others shared their joy, with one commenting “Let’s hope Burger King buys it!”

However, the Wellington Weekly can confirm the project has not been abandoned and work is continuing to open the restaurant to the public.

A spokesperson for Summerfield Commercial, which manages the park, said the ‘for sale’ sign was for a separate plot on the site. They said: “We can confirm that there has been a delay with the opening of the KFC at Westpark 26, Wellington.

“There is a sub-station to be delivered on site, which will allow matters to progress here and enable the 12 Gridserve EV chargers to be delivered and become operational. We understand that contractors are engaged to complete the fit out of the KFC building.

“There is marketing signage at the front of Plot 8 (near KFC) that relates to Plot 19 at Westpark which offers terrace units for sale or to let. Plot 19 units, unlike the KFC development are terrace units providing from 1,750 sq ft (162.60 sq m), and up to 18,250 sq ft (1,695 sq m) in the North Block. Summerfield Commercial will shortly be submitting a planning application for this development.”

The restaurant had been slated to open in the early part of 2024, but that target now seems to have been missed with works delayed by the construction of a substation and electric car chargers - conditions imposed by planners.

KFC is the world’’s second-largest restaurant chain after McDonald’s, with more than 26,000 locations in 150 countries around the globe and employing 820,000 staff.

Wellington residents have previously shown enthusiasm over the 2,000 square metre restaurant, which was given the green light by Somerset's planning authorities last summer.