McDonald's plans redesign of High Wycombe Pizza Hut

The Pizza Hut on Ryemead Way closed its doors in September, confirming local speculation after the reported expiration of its lease on the unit near Wycombe Retail Park.

A spokesperson for the Italian chain apologised to customers for "any inconvenience caused" after the news emerged, while a spokesperson for McDonald's expressed excitement at the prospect of opening the fast-food giant's fifth branch in High Wycombe in the imminent future.

And local franchisee owner Alan Butcher and co aren't wasting any time getting the building's transformation into a new McDonald's restaurant underway – with applications for a redesigned shopfront and those famous golden arches submitted to Buckinghamshire Council this month.

The plans lay out a not-too-radical rejigging of the unit's look, including a "minor reconfiguration" of its outwards appearance through "a new sliding door entrance, the widening of an existing access door and the removal of timber panelling and fascia".

(Image: Buckinghamshire Council)

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They also propose a replacement of the existing Pizza Hut signs with McDonald's branding including two white Maccy D's letter sets and one golden arch.

Speaking on September 3, Mr Butchers, who oversees Wycombe's four other McDonald's branches, on the High Street, Dovecot Road, Holmers Farm Way and Crest Road, said he was looking forward to "bringing significant investment and up to 60 full and part-time jobs" to the new site.

Adding: “We look forward to further contributing to the local community, continuing the fantastic work done in our other High Wycombe restaurants including daily litter picks and fundraising for Ronald McDonald House Charities.”

Some locals were less than dazzled by the prospect of a fifth restaurant in the town, however, branding the new arrival – which has yet to confirm an opening date – as "ridiculous" and "utter madness".