A NEW drive-thru fast food restaurant could be coming to the edge of Bolton town centre.

Plans for a McDonald's restaurant have been revealed as part Euro Garages' proposed petrol station in Manchester Road.

The Blackburn-based billionaires are also looking to build six industrial units at the former Meridian Court site which was last used as offices for public service provider Serco.

The new McDonald's would generate approximately 65 new jobs, according to a planning application, adding to 25 potential employees at the petrol station.

This comes as an independent report commissioned by the fast food giant reveals that the business and its suppliers have made a combined contribution of £9.4m to Bolton's economy every year.

Local franchisee Dave Shaw operates five restaurants in the borough.

He said: “Creating and sustaining jobs across Bolton is of huge importance to me, and the fact that we have been able to make a significant financial contribution to the area is something my team and I are very proud of”.

A total of four planning applications to install signs at the proposed drive-thru restaurant have been submitted to the council.

But the fast food chain has not confirmed when the restaurant would open if the plans are approved.

A McDonald's spokesman said: “Bolton is one of a number of areas being considered as we look for opportunities to develop new restaurants, however we are unable to share specific details on locations until we are committed.”

Around 250 jobs could be created if plans to build offices, storage and distribution units behind the proposed petrol station are given the go ahead.

Euro Garages, which is in talks with potential occupiers, already had plans for a drive-thru restaurant, petrol station and a gym on the site, but these have been revised.

A spokesman said: “We are looking to deliver a comprehensive development across the whole site. This will include new employment opportunities as well as services to the residents and businesses of Bolton."

Town hall officers are expected to decide the outcome of the latest planning applications relating to the site by beginning of September.