The opening date has been revealed for the new McDonald’s restaurant and takeaway in Southport.
The eatery at Central 12 Retail Park on Derby Road, near Southport town centre, will welcome its first customers on Wednesday, 17th July 2024.
It will be the third McDonald’s in Southport, adding to the existing sites near Kew Retail Park and at Ocean Plaza Retail Park.
McDonald’s is currently recruiting new colleagues, who will be trained at the existing restaurants in Southport before the new one opens at Central 12.
You can apply via the Indeed website here.
Central 12 announced yesterday (Thursday 11th April 2024) that it is introducing a new policy of first two hours parking for free after taking over control of the car park from Sefton Council for the first time since the retail park opened 20 years ago.
Read More: Central 12 retail park in Southport announces two hour free parking
The new McDonald’s will open in the former Royal Doulton site at Central 12, which has been vacant for the past 15 years. It will be next door to Costa Coffee and Mountain Warehouse
The opening hours will be 6am to 11pm, a reduction from the 24 hours a day originally sought.
Permission was granted by Sefton Council’s Planning Committee on 7th February 2024.
In his report to councillors, Sefton Council Chief Planning Officer Derek McKenzie said: “Unit 11 comprises 424 sq m of retail floor space. It was last occupied by Royal Doulton, but has been vacant for approximately 15 years.
“Despite continual marketing by the applicant, they have been unable to secure a retail user for the premises.
“The proposal comprises a main town centre use, which is acceptable in principle.”
Various alterations are proposed to the building and the site. An existing window on the front will be replaced with a new doorway for McDelivery food collections.
To the side will be a mesh fence and gate to enclose the area so that it is used for staff parking for 14 vehicles and servicing only.
The site of the proposed new McDonald’s restaurant and takeaway at Central 12 retail park in Southport. Photo by Andrew Brown Stand Up For Southport
The proposal would result in the loss of 18 standard car parking spaces nearby but would create eight new disabled spaces resulting in a net loss of 10 spaces. Any overspill parking would be accommodated in the wider shared use car park.
In its job description, McDonald’s said: “McDonald’s are one of the most recognised brands in the world, and the backbone of our brand is commitment to a set of core values: Serve, Inclusion, Integrity, Community and Family. We live by our values every day and are committed to fostering a safe, respectful and inclusive workplace, providing quality jobs, and making opportunity open to all.
“Join us and you’ll become part of a team, that works together to provide the best customer experience. If you’ve visited one of our restaurants before, you’ve probably got some idea of what’s involved in working here. But you might not realise the variety and scope of the role. We want every McDonald’s customer to have a brilliant experience, every time they visit. That means hot food in a clean and friendly restaurant. As a Crew Member, you’ll make it happen, whether you’re preparing food, serving on the till or being out in the dining areas looking after our customers’ needs.
“Quite simply, you’ll be working in our fast moving, high energy environment and we’re looking for a genuine smile, enthusiasm, energy, plus an ability to connect with customers and make them feel valued.”
Central 12 in Southport
Central 12 was bought in a deal believed to be worth £27 million in May 2023 by LCP, part of M Core.
LCP has been eager to revitalise the park and attract new national retailers to fill any empty units.
Discount retailer B&M has already opened a new shop at Central 12, creating 30 jobs.
LCPhas also taken over the operation of the car park at Central 12 so it can invest in its development “to make it more attractive to existing and new businesses and a more diverse customer base”.
The 13-unit Central 12 shopping park, located on Derby Road, close to Southport Railway Station, is anchored by an ASDA superstore. It comprises 162,143 sq ft of open convenience retail with retailers including Poundland, The Range, Boots and Next.
The site also has a car park for 636 vehicles.
It was previously home to the Southport Steamport museum.
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