Fast food giants McDonald’s have confirmed that they are planning to create a second Inverness branch – with a new out-of-town location at Inshes Retail Park possibly in their sights.
Plans have been lodged to expand the southern end of the retail park, with a drive-through restaurant and two large shops.
They would replace the disused Blockbuster Video outlet and Harry Ramsden’s chip shop which would be demolished if permission was granted.
Yesterday McDonald’s confirmed that they were looking to open a new restaurant in the city, in addition to their city centre outlet which does not have a drive-through.
A spokeswoman said: “We are always looking for new sites and can confirm that Inverness is an area where we would like to continue to invest in, open a new restaurant and create jobs.
“We are looking at potential opportunities in the area but currently have no confirmed plans.”
Corran Properties, which has submitted the application on behalf of the landowners at Inshes, said that more than 140 retails jobs would be created, with scores of construction jobs.
It is hoped that building work could start in the summer, with completion by early 2016.
Nick Ball, of Corran Properties, said he could not confirm which companies were in line to take over the unit.
He said “Despite difficult economic conditions over recent years, Inshes Retail Park has steadily improved with the recent openings of Dunelm, Hobbycraft, Aldi and Dobbies.
“This final phase will complete the park, bringing complementary retailers who will further improve the choice and competition on offer to customers, and, importantly, offer additional employment opportunities to the local area.
“We forecast that approximately 140 new jobs will be created by these retailers coming to the park.”
The application is in the name of Scottish Widows Investment Partnership but the fund has recently changed its name to Aberdeen Property Trust, after it was bought by Aberdeen Asset Management.
The site has been largely undeveloped since the park was established.