McDonald’s unveil new proposals for Gosport branch
By Connor Steel
MCDONALD’S has offically unveiled its plans to introduce a new ‘fast food’ restaurant to be based within Gosport Town Centre as they look to expand their portfolio across Hampshire; the famous chain aiming to secure planning permission to convert the empty Burton store in a proposal that comes six years since the closure of a previous branch in the area.
Two separate ‘planning applications’ have been submitted to Gosport Borough Council; the first seeking to fully convert 111/112 High Street into a restaurant consisting of forty-eight seats and various table layouts. Pedestrian access for the customers would be provided from the High Street and cycle stands would be located near the entrance to the building.
Products would only be accessible using eat-in and take-a-away options with customers able to use the nearby parking facilities when needed; particularly if they are visiting fellow stores in the town centre. Two motorcycle spaces are being considered for Coates Road to allow easy access for couriers, which would be located safely at the rear’ to this branch.
It is believed that the restaurant would mostly be used by shoppers and potentially commuters despite little information being available on trading hours. An unknown range of job vacancies will further be created and McDonald’s have also addressed concerns about the increase in delivery drivers; saying that many already operate in the town centre vicinity.
The second planning application centres around the installation of signage at the branch which will include McDonald’s using individual letters above the entrance. Signage will further be ‘put up’ inside this branch and will follow the brand’s marketing specifications such as colour; whilst the full details regarding materials and sizing is seen in the online plans.
If approved, this new restaurant will be the second in Gosport and joins the one based at Brockhurst Gate; but will also see McDonald’s return to the High Street for the first time since 2018. Their previous branch was located at 57/58 High Street but a decision was made to close this site to customers and was replaced by two varying small local businesses.
It would further join the multitude of branches across Hampshire and also locally; with franchises available in Fareham, Cosham, Fratton, Port Solent, Portsmouth City Centre, and Havant. A new branch has also recently opened in Whitely Shopping Centre and has become very popular for customers; providing competition for major food outlets in the area.
Readers may examine documentation for the first planning application by visiting Gosport Borough Council’s “planning portal” and looking at reference: 24/00139/FULL. The second for ‘signage plans’ can also be seen via 24/00145/ADVT.
PICTURED BY ALAMY (2PN0K2X): McDonald’s may be returning to Gosport Town Centre after plans were submitted.
