Are you lovin’ it? McDonald’s sets its sights on Matlock

A global fast food giant is set to come 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, 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 minimised 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.

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A spokesman for McDonald’s said: “I am pleased to confirm that we have submitted an application to build a new restaurant on Bakewell Road, Matlock. A new McDonald’s restaurant would create at least 65 full and part–time jobs for the local community and we will be working with the council on our plans.”

Commenting on Facebook, Lisa McTighe said: “As a trader in the town I’m pleased something is happening to the derelict building, I’m also pleased to hear that “big names” are now wanting to come to Matlock! Yes we have a lovely little town but we ARE NOT Bakewell! We are Matlock!”

James Griffiths added: “Matlock needs something other than another charity shop and it creates jobs, what’s the downside?”

Ellen Durose–Pollitt commented: “Oh dear soon Matlock will have all the neon signs for fast food!”

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Daisy Darner said: “Why on earth would they want to build there? It’s shocking. Leave the town alone, another 50 years it will be the new Wirksworth, full of charity shops.”

Lyn Winterbourne added: “Terrible idea.

“Matlock could be so wonderful given tasteful, sensitive redevelopment. Get ready for local roadsides to be strewn with red and yellow packaging.”

The site, which measures approximately 170 metres along the River Derwent, would have 36 parking spaces, including three for disabled users. The McDonald’s building would be 415 square metres, whereas the bulk wine building would be 292 square metres.

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