McDonald’s set its sights on a Cambridge location, just minutes away from another operating store
McDonald’s has been given the green light to open a new restaurant in Cambridge despite another being just minutes away in the car. Cambridge City Council has granted McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd permission to open the new restaurant at Cambridge Retail Park.
The site, which has been vacant since March 2023, contains a former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant. It has more recently been used as a Turkish Restaurant. The approved plans include the change of use of the site to transform it into a mixed restaurant and takeaway use.
A planning statement says: “The customer seating area comprises a sizeable 112 covers for visitors to eat their meals within a relaxed modern environment. The dining area will include a variety of seating types and table sizes tailored to the customers’ needs.”
According to the proposals, the restaurant is expected to employ more than 120 full and part time staff, which McDonald’s seeks to recruit from the local area.
Located less than one-mile away from the new site, around a five-minute drive, is another McDonald’s location on Newmarket Road. There is also another operating restaurant on Rose Crescent in the city centre.
At the new location, the back of the restaurant would be extended into the existing storage area and alterations to the elevations include a new sliding entrance door and side door. The existing patio area is to be retained and enhanced, with a new children’s playframe and new patio seating included in the plans.
According to the applicant, McDonald’s Restaurants Ltd, the latest figures available show that the fast-food chain contributed £3.18 million to the economy in Cambridge.
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