PLANS to convert the vacant TUI superstore at Coliseum Way in Ellesmere Port into a McDonald's are currently under consideration.

The unit at Coliseum Way has been vacant since the travel agents closed last year, with the fast-food giant proposing a 105 to 115 seat restaurant which will require minor external alterations.

Part of the motivation behind the new store would be to ease demands on the nearby Cheshire Oaks location.

Litchfields, on behalf of McDonalds says: “McDonald’s proposes to operate a restaurant from the unit, which will provide 105-115 seats.

“McDonald's existing drive-thru restaurant at Cheshire Oaks Designer Outlet operates significantly above capacity, which brings impacts in terms of both customer experience and traffic congestion at peak times.

“The proposed new restaurant at Coliseum Shopping Park should ease pressure on the existing restaurant at Cheshire Oaks.”

If permitted, the new location would be the sixth McDonald’s restaurant in the area, with three in Chester, one at Cheshire Oaks and another at the Chester Motorway Services on the M56.

Changes to the Coliseum Way unit would include the addition of two new doors, one at the front and another on the eastern side of the unit, and of course a change of signage.

Lichfields adds: “The proposals will bring the unit will back into active use following the relocation of TUI, thereby supporting the vitality of Coliseum Retail Park and in turn, supporting the economic condition of Ellesmere Port and the wider Cheshire West area.”