Martlesham McDonald's closer to opening as signs go up

The first sign at McDonald's in Martlesham is now in pride of place as the American fast food chain prepares to open its latest Suffolk branch, taking over the former Evans Cycles unit next to Topps Tiles.

Signs have gone up around the outside of the building (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Evans Cycles closed on May 14, 2023, due to the landlord wanting more rent.

In October 2023, it was revealed that the space was going to be converted into a restaurant with McDonald's being the confirmed restaurant in January.

One month later, the chain sent a licence application to East Suffolk Council to become a 24 hour licence, serving late night refreshments.

The new McDonald's in Martlesham Heath (Image: Charlotte Bond)

This was met with concern from residents however.

Martlesham Parish Council wrote an opposing letter to East Suffolk Council, with concerns raised over the fact that if approved, the opening hours would create noise and disturbance in an area that is "normally quiet during the night time hours."

McDonald's agreed to several conditions, including improvements to CCTV cameras, automatic recognition of number plates, and discussions with the police and the licensing team regarding anti-social behaviour concerns.

McDonald's in Martlesham (Image: Charlotte Bond)

This led to East Suffolk Council granting the licence.

The new eatery will be the only facility in the area that is open 24 hours, with KFC Martlesham closing at 11pm, and Tesco Extra closing at midnight.

McDonald's Martlesham is set to include dining room with space for 150 diners, a counter for 'drive to' services, a kitchen, bathrooms, a store room with a chiller and freezer, a crew room, office, plant space and a service corridor.

McDonald's UK has been contacted for an official opening date.

McDonald's will open in due course (Image: Charlotte Bond)