Huge drive-thru plans could be back on the cards

Plans for a new McDonald’s drive-thru in Hyde could be revived through the sale of three plots of land.

Tameside council is looking into the sale of three more sections of land on Grafton Street in order to support the development, which would bring investment and new jobs to the area. This comes following a decision in October 2023 to sell land on Grafton Street. 

Now the council’s executive cabinet are being asked for approval for the disposal of three further plots at the site to help enable a revised scheme for the US restaurant chain.

The fast food giant announced their ambition to build on the Viceroy Indian restaurant site in August last year, submitting official proposals a few months later. But in a shock twist, those plans were withdrawn back in April.

The new drive-thru restaurant had been touted for Grafton Street – between the M67 and Clark Way. Those plans have been shelved ever since.

According to the council, this sale of additional land would allow for improvements to the site layout, increased parking, and enhance the site’s development potential. However, the council has not specified if it would be McDonald’s coming back in for the site.

Tameside council’s executive member for finance and resources, Coun Hugh Roderick, said: “This strategic land disposal supports our commitment to economic growth and regeneration in Hyde. 

“It involves selling small plots of unused brownfield land that alone don’t hold much potential nor value but put together they will help deliver a high-quality development and create jobs, as well as generating valuable income to support investment in infrastructure and facilities in the borough.”

The purchaser, a fast-food restaurant and takeaway provider, is considered a special purchaser, meaning the land will not be advertised on the open market.

The capital receipt from the sale would contribute to the council’s 2025–2027 Capital Programme, which includes over £12 million in approved and earmarked schemes.

The council would then look to work with the purchaser on a revised planning application, incorporating the newly acquired land and road closures needed to facilitate the development.