DEVELOPERS of a new retail park in Weymouth have revealed progress is ahead of schedule - as a new McDonald's drive-thru is expected to open in May.
The Weymouth Gateway scheme will include three ‘big box’ retail warehouse units, two restaurants, and coffee shops, which are currently being built on a brownfield site east of Mercery Road.
READ MORE: Developers provide latest on Weymouth Gateway scheme - set to provide hundreds of jobs
The undeveloped land, opposite the Aldi supermarket, will include outlets such as B&M, Dunelm, Costa and McDonald’s - after development partners LondonMetric Property and Avercet broke ground for the project back in October last year.
Chris Newns, director of Avercet, said the project is 'ahead of schedule' and that the new McDonald's will be recruiting soon.
He said: "I've spoken to the team behind the new McDonald's and it's been confirmed they will start recruiting for jobs very soon.
"I don't have a figure on how many jobs will be available, but there will be a lot.
"The reason why McDonald's is set open soon is because it's a bespoke building.
"Costa Coffee is expected to open two months later in July.
"Dunelm and B&M will be trading by the end of the year."
Although ahead of schedule, Mr Newns spoke about the scheme's challenges so far, including the effects of the war in Ukraine and the fallout from the Covid-19 pandemic.
He added: "The Weymouth Gateway scheme is ahead of schedule. We're doing our best to complete it as soon as possible.
"There are challenges including obtaining materials and labour, which has coincided with the circumstances across the world."
A McDonald’s Spokeswoman said: "We're really excited to be opening a brand-new McDonald’s restaurant in Weymouth.
"The new restaurant will bring significant investment to the local area as well as creating at least 120 full and part time jobs."
Weymouth mayor, councillor Colin Huckle said: "We welcome the news the new McDonald's is about to open and look forward to the whole scheme being complete.
"Hopefully it provides some well-paid, skills jobs. Bringing 300 jobs is a massive boost to Weymouth."
According to market analysts AECOM Ltd, the entire retail development is set to create almost 300 jobs and provide a major boost to Weymouth’s economy, while expected to generate between £5 million to £6 million in business rates every year.
Mr Newns confirmed there have not been any new businesses that have approached developers for more big brands coming to the site off Mercery Road.
"Organisations periodically approach us to explore further potential on the site but there is nothing to report as yet," said Mr Newns.
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