An apparent faux pas on a planning document has revealed that McDonalds look set to open a drive-thru restaurant at St George’s Way in Newport.
As previously reported by Island Echo, major plans to demolish St George’s Park football ground and replace it with a brand new retail park were announced earlier this month. A planning application has now been submitted to the Isle of Wight Council for consideration.
The proposed new development will feature a discount food retailer – strongly thought to be Aldi – as well as 3 retail units, a 24hr gym and a drive-thru takeaway.
Since the news broke earlier this month, many people have taken to Facebook to express their hopes of a Burger King drive-thru. Those dreams appear to have been shattered though as planning documents submitted to the Council this week reveal that McDonalds’ famous golden arches are proposed to be painted on the entrance road.
This little M-shaped clue is thought to have been included by mistake as the developers behind the scheme have previously said they want to keep the identities of the proposed businesses under wraps. Another little clue is the inclusion of what appear to be McDonalds’ self service screens inside the building’s entrance.
The same planning document reveals that the largest retail unit will feature a garden centre to the rear. It is rumoured that Wickes will be taking on the unit to open their first Isle of Wight store, but the description of the unit’s use sounds more fitting to The Range.
Mystery surrounds the last 2 remaining units but it is known that they will not be predominately selling food and drink, clothing, footwear or fashion accessories.
McDonalds franchisees currently operate a restaurant on St James’ Street in Newport but this lacks a drive-thru option and is not open 24 hours a day. It is unclear at this stage if the outlet will remain open going forward.
