A GLOBAL fast food chain has revealed plans to build a new purpose-built restaurant in the Three Towns.

McDonald's say they plan to relocate from their current drive-through facility, in an existing unit at the Hawkhill Retail Park in Stevenston, to a new building in the southern section of the adjacent car park.

The work is being carried out in partnership with Waypoint Asset Management - and local residents will have a chance to look over the plans next week.  

A key component of the move is the restoration of the existing unit back to Class 1A use (shops, financial, professional, and other services), providing the opportunity to deliver greater retail space to serve the local community.

The developers say the plans would also allow McDonald’s to develop a more modern facility, in line with their current formats and customer expectations.

The development comprises a modern free-standing single-storey McDonald’s restaurant with drive-through lane, car parking, and other associated works, including customer order displays.

Ardrossan and Saltcoats Herald: McDonald's current Stevenston premises

The entire development space is 527 square metres and will include a variety of table types for diners to eat their meals in a relaxed modern environment.

It will also include 17 car parking spaces, including two accessible spaces and six cycle spaces.

In addition to the 126 staff currently employed in the store, the £4m development will create an additional 20 full time and part roles, together with new jobs throughout the construction phase.

Members of the public will be able to learn more information about the proposals at the public consultation next Tuesday, March 12 between 2-6pm at St John’s Church, in Hayocks Road, Stevenston.

The consultation will provide an opportunity for local residents to drop in and ask questions to members of the project team, view plans and provide feedback.

In addition to the drop-in event, a consultation website has been created where the public can view consultation materials and provide feedback.

The opportunity for members of the public to provide feedback will remain open until  Sunday, March 31.

Andrew Crewther, senior acquisitions surveyor with McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, said: “We are delighted to announce our plans for a brand-new purpose-built drive-thru restaurant in Stevenston, which will significantly improve our offering for customers in North Ayrshire.

“If approved, the new restaurant would generate a significant inward investment of around £4 million, while creating new jobs throughout the construction phase of the project.

“The project represents an exciting opportunity to deliver a purpose-built restaurant in Stevenston that will combine a new layout with the latest technology to create a more seamless and enjoyable experience.”

Chris Moulden, director at Waypoint Asset Management Ltd, said: “It is great to be working alongside McDonald's to bring forward proposals that would see their existing restaurant replaced with a new, modern restaurant in Hawkhill Retail Park.

“Central to the proposal is a desire to enhance the retail offering at the retail park, so we are pleased to be coming forward with plans that would see the existing unit restored back to Class 1A use, ensuring the park continues to meet the needs of the local community.

“I would urge anyone with an interest in the proposals to attend our public exhibition on March 12 which will provide members of the public the opportunity to find out more about the plans, asks questions of the project team and leave feedback."