PHOTO: Popeyes NZ
Palmerston North Traffic Concerns Mount Over New Popeyes and Starbucks Franchises
The announcement of two globally recognized food franchises, Popeyes Louisiana Chicken and Starbucks, setting up shop in Palmerston North has sparked excitement—and concern. These outlets, slated to open at the intersection of Tremaine Avenue and Rangitīkei Street in 2025, have ignited fears that an already bustling thoroughfare may face overwhelming traffic congestion.
The layout of the two restaurants shows diners will enter from Tremaine Ave and Matipo St, and will exit from Matipo St only.Supplied
Concerns Raised by City Officials
City councillor Mark Arnott has been vocal about his apprehensions. While he welcomes the addition of the two franchises to Palmerston North’s vibrant dining scene, he questions whether the chosen location is suitable, given the significant volume of traffic the intersection already handles.
“This intersection is one of the city’s busiest,” Arnott noted. “We’ve all seen what happens at the Featherston Street McDonald’s, where drive-thru traffic spills onto the road. I’m concerned this could happen here too, turning the double lanes on Tremaine Avenue into a single-lane bottleneck.”
A High-Traffic Intersection
Data underscores Arnott’s concerns. The intersection of Tremaine Avenue and Rangitīkei Street averages 18,699 vehicle movements daily, with 10.41% of those being heavy vehicles. The addition of two high-profile food outlets with drive-thru services could exacerbate existing congestion issues.
When the first Popeyes outlet in New Zealand opened in Takanini, Auckland, earlier this year, the excitement resulted in massive queues of cars that backed up onto the motorway off-ramp. Arnott fears a repeat of this scenario in Palmerston North.
Construction Plans Underway
Despite the concerns, construction of the Popeyes and Starbucks outlets is set to commence during the summer of 2025. The new establishments will occupy a currently vacant car lot on the corner of Tremaine Avenue and Rangitīkei Street.
Palmerston North City Council granted resource consent for the project in October, with Tahua Group Ltd—the operator of Popeyes, Starbucks, and Burger King in New Zealand—spearheading the development.
Traffic Management Measures in Place
The council has worked with traffic consultants and Waka Kotahi/NZTA to assess and mitigate potential traffic impacts. The approved site plan includes:
- No vehicle access from Rangitīkei Street.
- Entry via Tremaine Avenue, located 25 meters from the major intersection.
- Entry and exit from Matipo Street, which runs parallel to Tremaine Avenue.
Additionally, a traffic management plan will be implemented during the opening days to ensure safety and minimize disruption.
While the 25-meter distance of the Tremaine Avenue entrance from the intersection falls slightly short of the 30-meter minimum separation requirement, the council deemed the effects of this non-compliance to be “less than minor.”
Drive-Thru Services and Parking
Both Popeyes and Starbucks will offer drive-thru services, supported by 24 on-site car parks. Delivery and service vehicles will have restricted turning options to ensure safe navigation, entering from Tremaine Avenue and exiting via Matipo Street.
Public Reactions to the Development
The local community has expressed mixed reactions to the upcoming development. Arnott has received feedback from nearby businesses on Tremaine Avenue, many of whom share concerns about the potential traffic impact.
On social media, residents have drawn comparisons to the “Featherston Street debacle,” where traffic at McDonald’s frequently overflows onto public roads. Others have voiced frustration at the growing number of fast-food outlets along Rangitīkei Street.
Some residents also expressed disdain for Popeyes, referencing a recent controversy where the US fast-food chain forced a Feilding fish-and-chip shop to change its name due to trademark issues.
“We don’t need them,” one commenter said. “We have a real Popeye’s in Feilding. Tell them to go back to the US.”
Operating Hours and Future Growth
Both Popeyes and Starbucks plan to operate from 5 am to 2 am, seven days a week, catering to both early risers and late-night diners.
This will mark the second Starbucks location in Palmerston North, following the opening of a café inside the Broadway Avenue New World in November 2023. For Popeyes, this will be part of an ambitious expansion strategy, with plans to open 30 outlets across New Zealand.
A Balancing Act for the City
As the city prepares for these new additions, balancing economic growth with community well-being remains crucial. While the arrival of Popeyes and Starbucks is expected to generate jobs and boost the local economy, the potential for increased traffic congestion could challenge the city’s infrastructure and planning capabilities.
Looking Ahead
Palmerston North residents will watch closely as construction begins and the opening day approaches. The council’s ability to manage traffic flow effectively, especially during the initial surge of eager diners, will likely set the tone for the community’s long-term perception of these new ventures.
In the meantime, city officials and local businesses continue to engage in discussions, aiming to strike a balance between welcoming global brands and maintaining the functionality of Palmerston North’s busiest streets.
SOURCE: THE POST