Hopes remain for Nelson town centre site as McDonald's explores 'alternatives in the area'

Hopes remain to develop a derelict site in Nelson after fast food chain McDonald's pulled out of a plan to open a drive-through restaurant in the town.
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In 2019, it was revealed proposals had been approved to demolish the former multi-storey car park on Broadway and open the popular fast food restaurant at the Nelson former bus station site.

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McDonald's is coming to Nelson

However, almost three years on, and after the demolition of the site's 314-space Pendle Rise shopping centre car park, next to Nelson Police Station, nothing has been built since.

The former Nelson Bus Station and car park siteThe former Nelson Bus Station and car park site
The former Nelson Bus Station and car park site
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The leader of Pendle Borough Council, Coun. Nadeem Ahmed, remains optimistic though and says the site is part of exciting regeneration plans for Nelson town centre.

He added: “We did receive a planning application for a drive through McDonald's and it was approved, but no development has taken place. The site is currently on the market.

“We’re making strong progress with plans for Nelson thanks to our successful bid to the Government for £25m. Town Deal funding for our town.

“Sites like the former bus station and Pendle Rise Shopping Centre will play a part in ambitious 10 year plans for Nelson.”

The site todayThe site today
The site today
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It is unclear at this stage why the fast food giant ditched plans to open a restaurant at the former bus station site, but it's not ruling out the possibility of opening one elsewhere in the town.

A McDonald's spokesman said: "We are not looking to pursue this application, but we continue to explore alternative opportunities in the area."

Meanwhile, a spokesman for Pendle Borough Council, said: "Although we would like to see the site developed, there are no known new proposals from the developer."