FAST-food giant McDonald’s have confirmed their intent to open a second site in Christchurch this year after permission was granted.

As reported, the burger restaurant will open a new branch at the retail park off Barrack Road to replace a former Pizza Hut – promising to create at least 65 jobs for “local people”.

A McDonald’s spokesperson told the Echo: “We are pleased to be progressing with our plans in Barrack Road Retail Park, Christchurch, and hope to have everything ready to open the restaurant sometime during summer 2022.”

The site has stood empty since Pizza Hut closed its doors in November last year, and recent reports have detailed how McDonald’s had an application to erect an eight-metre totem sign rejected by a council officer for being “overly prominent”.

New plans for a reduced five-metre sign have since been submitted.

Last year, a public consultation on the McDonald’s plans was met with 94 objections from residents and just three comments in support.