Plans to open the first Krispy Kreme drive-through outlet in a seaside town appear to have been shelved.

A Krispy Kreme store had been earmarked for Lowestoft. Image: Krispy Kreme (Image: Krispy Kreme)

But, a new lease of life could instead soon be in store for the vacant freehold property in Lowestoft that has "fully consented drive thru opportunity."

The vacant two-storey terraced industrial unit on Horn Hill in Lowestoft, has been sold ahead of an auction. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Agents Firstplan, on behalf of the applicant Yelverton Properties (Lowestoft) Limited, had lodged proposals with East Suffolk Council in November 2023.

The vacant two-storey terraced industrial unit on Horn Hill in Lowestoft, has been sold ahead of an auction. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

The plans to demolish a two-storey terraced industrial unit on Horn Hill in Lowestoft, earmarked a Krispy Kreme drive-thru kiosk unit with associated external works, landscaping and the provision of electric vehicle charging spaces.

The vacant two-storey terraced industrial unit on Horn Hill in Lowestoft, has been sold ahead of an auction. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

At the time, documents said: "The proposed kiosk will be occupied by Krispy Kreme, whose occupation will generate employment opportunities and introduce a complementary retail offering to this part of Lowestoft."

The proposed plans. Picture: Hurstwood Design Group (Image: Hurstwood Design Group)

But while the bid to create the first Krispy Kreme drive-thru kiosk unit was permitted under delegated powers by the council in March 2024, works have not taken place over the past two years.

An aerial image of the application site in Lowestoft, with the boundary outlined in red. Picture: Firstplan (Image: Firstplan)

The multinational doughnut company has not moved into the industrial unit that was previously occupied by Precision Pipework Ltd, which has since relocated.

The vacant two-storey terraced industrial unit on Horn Hill in Lowestoft, has been sold ahead of an auction. Image: Mick Howes (Image: Mick Howes)

Nationally, Krispy Kreme UK is undergoing a review amid the potential closure of underperforming stores after a £6.2m loss was reported late last year.

A visual impression of the proposed site layout for the Krispy Kreme unit earmarked for Horn Hill in Lowestoft. Image: Picture: Hurstwood Design Group (Image: Hurstwood Design Group)

Earlier this month the freehold for the vacant industrial building, with a site area of 0.189 hectares (0.466 acres) was due to be auctioned off at an online sale.

Marketed by Allsop LLP - one of the UK’s largest residential property auctioneers - it was offered for sale at a commercial auction on February 11.

An aerial view of the vacant freehold industrial building on Horn Hill in Lowestoft. Image: Allsop LLP (Image: Allsop LLP)

The property, with a total accommodation area of 9,562 sq ft, has granted permission for the demolition of an existing industrial building and installation of drive-thru kiosk unit, along with other associated works, and the installation of EVCPs.

A view of the vacant freehold industrial building on Horn Hill in Lowestoft. Image: Allsop LLP (Image: Allsop LLP)

Situated opposite to the Asda superstore, with a Starbucks drive thru and McDonalds drive thru nearby, the auctioneers said the vacant freehold to the industrial property with "fully consented drive thru and EVCP opportunity may suit developer, owner occupier or investor."

An aerial view of the vacant freehold industrial building on Horn Hill in Lowestoft. Image: Allsop LLP (Image: Allsop LLP)

And now a new lease of life looks set to be in store for the property after the auctioneers said the freehold to the vacant industrial building had been "sold prior" to the auction.

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