THE first phase of work on a major £30 million redevelopment at The Junction retail park has now begun.
The construction of a new McDonald’s restaurant at the Antrim centre marks the start of a multi-million-pound masterplan and is the first project in a series of developments that received outline planning late last year.
As part of the £30 million redevelopment, there are plans for new retail units, two new drive thrus, cafés and restaurants, new road infrastructure and an extensive new landscaping plan that will help make The Junction Northern Ireland’s largest shopping and leisure destination.
The new McDonald's will occupy 4,700 sq ft and will open in the later part of the year. The restaurant is the first confirmed operator in the new food zone, located outside the Omniplex cinema, with further announcements on additional food and leisure operators expected in the coming months.
The Junction retail park was bought by The Lotus Group in 2016 and director Alastair Coulson said he is looking forward to seeing the major development come to fruition.
“We are delighted to begin phase one of our redevelopment with the construction of a McDonald’s restaurant and drive thru. McDonald’s is a popular place to fuel up for a shopping trip, so this is the perfect place to begin the first phase of our major regeneration project and it is exciting to see our vision for The Junction coming to life.”
A McDonald's spokesperson added:
"Construction for a new McDonald’s restaurant at The Junction in Antrim has begun, with completion due in late 2018. A new restaurant will bring significant investment to the local area and we look forward to being part of the local community.”
