McDonald’s sets its sights on Matlock

A global fast food giant is coming to Matlock as the owners of a derelict town centre site look to redevelop it.

William Twigg (Matlock) Ltd has struck up a deal with McDonald’s to build a drive–thru on the former Madisons site in Bakewell Road.

A planning application has been submitted to Derbyshire Dales District Council for a riverside restaurant, as well as a unit for a national bulk–wine business, which has yet to be identified.

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The family firm, which has owned the site for 18 years, claims the project will ensure up to 100 jobs if given the go–ahead.

Twiggs director Richard Tarbatt described the company’s proposals as “a tremendously exciting boost for Matlock not only in terms of generating new jobs but also for creating a much–needed new look to a tired site on a major entrance to the town”.

He added that there should also be spin–off business for existing companies in the town.

Work on demolishing the present redundant buildings would begin soon after the granting of planning permission, allowing the restaurant to open for business early next year.

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Mr Tarbatt said great emphasis had been placed on producing a sensitive re–development scheme where detailed attention to the design of the site and effective screening meant that noise would be minimized and lighting levels no higher than at present.

“We are a long–established and well–respected local company and would not wish to be involved in any project we felt would have a detrimental effect on either the environment or the community,” he said.

“McDonald’s, too, place great emphasis on the quality of all aspects of their operations.”

He added that another benefit of the company’s plan was that local young people would have a venue where they could meet with friends and buy reasonably–priced food and drinks.

The application can be viewed on the planning section of the Derbyshire Dales District Council’s website, www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk, under reference ‘14/00249/FUL’.