McDonald’s is bringing a new level of family fun to Cheltenham with the addition of a children’s play zone at its upcoming restaurant on Gloucester Road. The fast-food giant is converting the former TGI Fridays location into its third McDonald’s outlet in the town, creating around 120 new jobs in the process.
The new venue, scheduled to open this summer, will feature an outdoor “Play Land” climbing pod with two floors, slides, and tunnels, providing an engaging space for young diners. McDonald’s has submitted a planning application to Cheltenham Borough Council for signage installation on the play structure, signaling its commitment to a family-friendly environment.
McDonald’s currently operates two sites in Cheltenham: a High Street restaurant and a drive-thru at Kingsditch Retail Park on Tewkesbury Road. Despite the excitement, the new restaurant has faced resistance from local schools and residents concerned about childhood obesity and road safety, particularly due to a nearby blind bend on the A40. Fifteen educational institutions, including a college, have signed a petition opposing the development, while local authorities are considering reducing the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph between Benhall Roundabout and Gloucester Road/Sherbourne Road to enhance pedestrian safety.
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Responding to these concerns in February, a McDonald’s spokesperson emphasized the company’s dedication to being a responsible community partner.
The closure of the previous TGI Fridays last October, part of a wider series of closures for the American diner chain, paved the way for this transformation. The new McDonald’s location will offer convenient access for guests staying at the adjacent Premier Inn hotel, situated near key local landmarks such as GCHQ and opposite the Triumph Garage, making it a well-placed destination for families and travelers alike.