Global food and drink outlets proposed for A96 by Huntly
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PLANS for a proposed McDonalds fast food restaurant and Starbucks cafe on the outskirts of Huntly have received mixed reactions from locals.
Aberdeen-based developer West Coast Estates (WCE), in partnership with Deans of Huntly announced the proposals for the £5million new business park called Linnorie.
This roadside development would encompass a food hub and a super-fast electric car charging station – Fastned's third one in Scotland – just off the A96.
Described as “A new place to meet, eat and recharge”, the proposals would bring significant investment to the area, creating 100 new local jobs and further employment created during construction.
Bill Dean, owner and managing director of Dean’s of Huntly, said: “This is a unique opportunity for an established home-grown business such as Dean’s to work with some of the world’s leading brands to create a new place for people to meet and eat, while putting the infrastructure in place to support the growth of electric vehicles.
“Huntly is already a popular destination on the tourist trail and this development would provide a significant economic boost to the area, while creating new jobs for the local area and providing work for the construction sector in the North- East.”
Members of the local community will have the opportunity to view the proposals, and importantly provide feedback, by visiting a dedicated website for the proposals: www.linnoriehuntly.co.uk
Feedback will close on Friday, December 2.
On social media, Huntly residents have been speaking out about concerns that the business may take even more custom away from the already struggling town centre.
One local said the chain businesses "spell disaster for small coffee shops and small restaurants" in the town. Another said: "It's all very well to want new things, but let's use the quality places we already have or they'll disappear."
Worries over the location and having to cross the busy A96 have also been shared.
Others have expressed excitement saying it will boost jobs for the town, especially for young people, and the prospect of low cost food compared to independent cafes is another reason some locals are in favour of the plans.
MSP Alexander Burnett praised the fact that businesses are willing to invest in the area.
“It is great news for Huntly that West Coast Estates have chosen this site for their latest retail development in the North East," he said.
"This proposal is a clear show of faith in the town and will provide a real boost to the local economy, creating a reported 100 jobs.
"Alongside the other developments taking place in the town square it is brilliant to see a number of businesses now investing in the town.”
