Planners say yes to drive-thru Greggs plan
FIRST OF ITS KIND TO BE OPENED IN BAKERY’S HOME TOWN
NEWCASTLE is to get its first Greggs drive-thru restaurant after a new scheme was approved by planning officers.
The plan is to open the fast food branch at Tyneside Autoparc, off the A1056 Sandy Lane, North Gosforth.
The project, drawn up by The Kay Group UK, also includes a new petrol service station and a store, which will sell everyday items shoppers would normally buy as part of their top-up food shop, such as newspapers, bread, milk, tinned food, fresh produce, and motoring products.
The whole scheme, which could create around 40 jobs, has now been given the go-ahead by North Tyneside Council officers, which means people will be able to grab a Greggs treat on the go once the facility is up and running.
In their report, officers said the site is unlikely to have a major impact on trade at shops in nearby Killingworth. It was designed to “cater for top-up food and incidental convenience shopping and is expected to derive the vast majority of its turnover from passing trade,”
The officers added: “With regards to the proposed Greggs drive-thru, the baked goods offered in Killingworth Town Centre comprise of an existing Greggs and a baked goods counter within Morrisons. As Greggs has an existing unit within the town centre and the baked goods offered in Morrisons forms a small part of the food store’s overall offer, it is the opinion of the applicant, that the proposed Greggs drive-thru will not divert a significant amount of trade.”
Earlier this year, Greggs’ CEO Roger Whiteside said that 2018 would be a record year of investment for the firm. As part of the expansion plans, the company was aiming to open between 110 and 130 new shops over the next year as well as more drive-thru branches.
Last year, the bakery giant opened its first drive-thru at Irlam Gateway Service Station in Salford, Greater Manchester.
Another drive-thru is set to open in Ashby, Leicestershire, this month.