Cairns is set to welcome a new drive-through dining option with the approval of a Guzman y Gomez outlet for a major commercial hub on the city's southern side.
Council Greenlights Mexican Chain's Drive-Through Plans
The Cairns Regional Council has given the official nod to development plans for a Guzman y Gomez restaurant featuring a drive-through facility. The project is slated for a key site within the bustling Hambledon Drive commercial precinct in Edmonton.
This approval follows a development application submitted to the council earlier this year. The plans detail a modern, single-storey building designed specifically for the popular Mexican fast-food chain's operations. A dedicated drive-through lane will wrap around the building, aiming to provide a convenient service for customers on the go.
Boosting a Growing Commercial Corridor
The new restaurant will be constructed on a 2092sq m block of land located at 1-39 Enterprise Street. This location sits directly opposite the existing Cairns Central Shopping Centre and forms a crucial part of the wider Hambledon Drive activity centre, a zone earmarked for significant commercial and retail growth.
Council planning documents highlight that the proposal aligns with the area's intended use, which is to function as a mixed-use business and retail park. The development is expected to contribute to the local economy by creating new employment opportunities during both the construction phase and ongoing operations once the restaurant opens its doors.
Traffic management was a key consideration in the assessment. The approved plans include provisions for 30 on-site car parking spaces to accommodate patrons who choose to dine in or pick up their orders in person. The design of the drive-through lane and its integration with the existing road network on Enterprise Street and Hambledon Drive was also scrutinised to ensure minimal disruption to traffic flow.
What This Means for Cairns Locals
The arrival of Guzman y Gomez will introduce a fresh and competitive dining choice to the southern Cairns region, which has seen substantial residential and commercial expansion in recent years. For fans of the chain's burritos, tacos, and nachos, it promises greater accessibility without needing to travel into the CBD core.
This development is the latest in a series of investments in the Hambledon Drive corridor, reinforcing its status as a major suburban hub for retail, services, and dining. It signals continued confidence from national brands in the growth and spending power of the Cairns population, particularly in its expanding southern suburbs.
While an official opening date has not yet been announced by Guzman y Gomez, the council's approval clears the final planning hurdle, allowing construction to commence subject to standard conditions. The community will now watch for building activity to start on the site, marking the next phase in the precinct's evolution.
