A ONE-OF-A-KIND McDonald’s drive-thru will open to the public in Swindon on Wednesday.
Fast food fans in the town will be the first in the UK to be able to actually drive under the restaurant at Greenbridge Retail Park, which has been given an 11-week makeover that features an eye-catching overhanging veranda.
After a long planning process going back two years the franchise will open its doors on Wednesday at 11am ahead of an official ceremony with Swindon North MP Justin Tomlinson on Friday at 12 noon.
The revamp has also doubled the number of seats, and includes a number of extra digital features, including self-service kiosks for customers and a table service for them to order with tap of the flat screen.
The extra capacity will see an extra 50 full and part-time jobs created in the branch.
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Franchisee Carl Room, who employs 1,200 staff across Swindon and the surrounding areas, said: “I’m proud to be able to offer customers more choice as to how they enjoy their McDonald’s with this new digital store.
"McDonald’s is committed to harnessing digital innovation to provide our customers with the food they want, when and how they want it. I’m pleased to able to boost the community with the creation of 50 new jobs for local people."
Plans for the expansion were given the green light last year, despite some concerns from Stratton St Margaret councillors about extra litter and traffic.
A spokesperson for the parish was concerned the glass-fronted drive-through could cause privacy issues.
He said: “The proposed development by reason of its size, depth, width, height and massing would have an unacceptably adverse impact on the amenities of the properties immediately adjacent to the site and the surrounding area by reason of overlooking, loss of privacy and visually overbearing impact.”
Some Advertiser readers were more upbeat about the branch expanding.
One reader wrote: “It’s positive news that the franchisee is redeveloping this site and making most of the space.
“It always gets busy at this branch and the tailbacks are well known during rush hour, so any improvement to ease the traffic will be welcomed.”
Another added: “For most people it’s a rare meal and others it’s just a necessary convenience, the investment and jobs are what people should focus on.”
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