Work is continuing ahead of the opening of a new McDonald's restaurant in Morecambe.
The new McDonald's is being built on the site of the former Frankie and Benny's and Burger King premises on Hillmore Way, just off Central Drive near Morrisons, which has been closed since 2020.
In May 2025, Lancaster City Council officers approved several planning applications from the fast food giant, including for replacement doors and glazing, changes to the car parking layout and bin store area, landscaping including outdoor seating areas and planting, and a number of illuminated signs.
The site of the former Frankie and Benny's where a new McDonald's will open
This week Heysham security firm Lingwood Security Management announced they had been chosen to provide alarm response services for the site.
"You may have noticed work starting at the old Frankie & Benny’s site in Morecambe," said a post on their Facebook page.
"We’re pleased to share that Lingwood Security Management has been chosen to provide alarm response services for the site as preparations continue ahead of the opening of the new McDonald’s.
"Working alongside one of our trusted camera partners, our role is to help keep the site secure, prevent unauthorised access, and make sure everyone working on site stays safe.
"Our Business Development Manager Louise, has been coordinating closely with the client and will continue to support the project as it moves forward.
"We’re proud to be securing local projects here in our seaside town and supporting developments from the ground up."
The premises was originally built in the mid-1990s as a drive through Burger King takeaway, until Frankie & Benny’s took over the site in 2008, removing the drive through and extending into the former drive through lanes.
Frankie and Benny’s vacated the site in 2020, and it has remained disused since then.
The site is close to the Morrisons supermarket, Morrisons Petrol Station, B&M, The Range and Next shopping area, and car park.
In 2024, plans for Burger King to open a drive-through on the site, were withdrawn.
Read more: EXCLUSIVE: Plans for Burger King drive-through in Morecambe axed - Beyond Radio
Planning permission was granted for a 'change of use to restaurant and drive through takeaway' at the site in June 2023, but Burger King shelved the plans.
McDonalds already has nearby outlets on Morecambe Road, in Lancaster city centre and at Caton Road in Lancaster.
Read more: Plans revealed for new McDonald’s restaurant in Carnforth
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