Plans revealed for new McDonalds restaurant in Morecambe

McDonalds are planning to open a new restaurant in Morecambe town centre.

The fast food giants want to convert the former Frankie & Benny's off Central Drive, which has been closed for five years.

A planning application has gone in to Lancaster City Council and will be determined in due course.

The application is for "erection of single storey extensions, external alterations including replacement doors and glazing, installation of plant and equipment, demolition of existing bin store, creation of bin store corral area, erection of fencing, changes to car parking layout, landscaping, and associated works".

"The proposals will bring this vacant building back into active use and provide a new McDonald’s restaurant in a highly accessible location," said a covering letter.

"It will also result in economic benefits that will directly and indirectly support the local economy, including new employment opportunities and the generation of business rates."

Pictured below, the former Frankie and Benny's.

A further report submitted with the plans says: "Once operational, the proposed restaurant will provide a number of job opportunities which will be accessible and attainable to members of the local community.

"The proposed alterations include a redesigned main customer entrance and measures to improve access to the building.

The site at Unit 1 Hillmore Way was originally built as a Burger King in the 1990s before Frankie & Benny's Italian-American restaurant opened there in 2008, closing in 2020.

Last year, plans for Burger King to open a drive-through there, were withdrawn.

Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Plans for Burger King drive-through in Morecambe axed - Beyond Radio

Planning permission was granted for a 'change of use to restaurant and drive through takeaway' at the site in June 2023, but Burger King shelved the plans.

However, this planning permission on the building remains 'extant' ie within the valid three-year time period.

McDonalds already has nearby outlets on Morecambe Road, in Lancaster city centre and at Caton Road in Lancaster.

The Morecambe Road drive-through has been closed for a major revamp and is due to reopen this month.

Read more: Morecambe McDonalds to shut for a month for major revamp - Beyond Radio