FAST-food giant McDonald’s is set to open its new site in Christchurch early next year.

As reported, McDonald’s is opening a second restaurant and drive-thru in the town.

It is due to be built at Christchurch Retail Park on the site of the former Pizza Hut unit, which was demolished back in August.

McDonald’s said its plans for the site were now “progressing”.

A spokesperson for the company said: “We are pleased to be progressing with our plans and hope to open our new restaurant in February 2023.”

The application for the new site, which was submitted by retail park owner St James Place Trust, was approved by BCP Council’s planning committee in September last year.

McDonald’s had planned for a summer 2022 opening, but announced in June that this would be delayed.

An exact date for the official opening is yet to be confirmed.

Christchurch Retail Park has welcomed a number of new developments in recent years. 

Earlier this month, the Home Bargains store re-opened after a huge expansion into the neighbouring unit that saw in nearly double in size. 

In August last year, the park welcomed a new Lidl- the firm's second shop in Christchurch. 

At the time, the store was thought to create around 40 new jobs for the local community.