McDonald’s announce plans for new drive-thru outlet in Hawick
McDonald’s has announced plans for a new drive-thru restaurant in Hawick, with the potential to create 100 jobs.
The new outlet is being earmarked for a site, near Sainsbury’s, in the town’s Commercial Road.
As well as 38 car parking spaces and an electric vehicle charging hub, it's proposed the two-acre site would allow space for “future potential development”.
It's been selected due to its “strategic and central location” and would be the fast food chain's second restaurant in the Scottish Borders.
The only existing McDonald’s in the region is at Wilderhaugh in Galashiels, which the company say has been operating “above capacity”.
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Today's announcement comes just days after Center Parcs was granted permission for a new 700-lodge holiday village, just off the A7, around three miles north of the town.
The fast food giant had previously been granted approval by Scottish Borders Council for a restaurant on the Commercial Road site back in 2020 but the development did not go-ahead.
A planning application is expected to be submitted to the local authority in the coming days.
Hawick & Hermitage councillor Watson McAteer has offered his support to the proposed development, saying: “I think this is fantastic news following quickly behind the Center Parcs planning consent.
“It’s great for Hawick and the local community, young people in particular will be really pleased. It’s much-welcomed investment in the town and from my point of view I think it is a sign of things to come.
“McDonald’s are a big brand name and this will be another attraction for others to come to Hawick and continue the future development of the town.”
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Commenting on the plans, a McDonald’s spokesperson said: “We’re delighted to bring forward plans for a new drive-thru restaurant in Hawick. We’ve long sought to expand our presence in the Scottish Borders and are confident that a restaurant in Hawick will bring real benefits to the local community.
“This £4 million investment would create over 100 full and part-time jobs, providing a welcome boost to the local economy.
“We’re committed to being a good neighbour and will continue to engage with residents and local stakeholders as our plans move through the planning process.”
Councillor Scott Hamilton, SBC’s executive Member for Economic Growth & Developing the Borders, said: “Following the completion of the Hawick Flood Protection Scheme, a fantastic opportunity has arisen for the sale of land on Commercial Road."
And he added: "This development will further the regeneration of Hawick and will deliver local employment.”
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