McDonald's given green light for new drive-thru restaurant in Hawick
Last updated 22 hours ago
McDonald's is set to open a new fast-food outlet in Hawick, after long-awaited plans to build a drive-thru restaurant in the town's Commercial Road were finally approved.
Local councillor Watson McAteer is hailing the investment, which is expected to create around 100 jobs.
"It's absolutely fantastic news," he told Greatest Hits Radio. "I know some people will have concerns about the restaurant, but for us it's a real benefit for the town.
"This will encourage other major businesses and national companies to look at Hawick because they'll see there's growth here."
Approval was granted by Scottish Borders Council after outstanding objections from SEPA and Transport Scotland were withdrawn.
The development - which includes a coffee shop, and electric vehicle charging points - will be built on the former Bruce Motors site, between the Aldi and Sainsbury's stores.
It will be only McDonald's second outlet in the Scottish Borders, after Galashiels.
The green light comes ahead of the opening of Center Parcs new 700-lodge holiday village, currently under construction just off the A7, around three miles north of the town.
READ MORE: Four men appear in court after cannabis cultivation 'worth at least £1.3m' unearthed in Hawick
Councillor McAteer - who represents Hawick and Hermitage on the local authority where he is also convener - said: "We've been waiting six years for this to happen.
"The first application was withdrawn before they came back with a revised proposal, and it took a bit of work to get through the remaining holding objections.
"They're all clear now, planning consent has been approved and it's full steam ahead for McDonald's."
He added: "It's going to create a lot of jobs and, perhaps, the approval of the Center Parcs development has also helped demonstrate confidence in the town."
According to the developers, the restaurant represents a £4 million investment and the council convener believes it sends a strong signal that Hawick is open for business.
"This is about growth," he said. "We're starting to see that growth develop and build. Let's look forward to a bright future rather than always focusing on the past. The news about McDonald's and Center Parcs are both very positive steps in the right direction."
For more stories from the Scottish Borders and North Northumberland, bookmark our home page - https://hellorayo.co.uk/greatest-hits/borders/news/