A new McDonald's restaurant to open next month will create up to 80 jobs once it starts trading.

The fast-food giant is returning to Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in Gillingham, next to Frankie & Benny’s.

The branch will open its doors to customers on March 13.

Offering dine-in, takeaway and delivery options, the restaurant will feature 26 seats and employ 80 people on various full and part-time contracts.

It will also boast table service, self-ordering kiosks and a large outside patio area.

The American giant's latest branch will open from 7am until 11pm on Monday to Sunday.

Franchisee Gian Chahal, who operates five McDonald’s restaurants across the county, said: “We are so pleased to be opening a brand-new McDonald’s restaurant in Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre, and can’t wait to see local customers, both new and old, enjoy our services on offer as they shop.

"People are at the heart of our business, and we look forward to welcoming new employees with the jobs our restaurant will create.

"We’re committed to investing in opportunities for a mix of all ages, life stages and backgrounds, promoting flexibility and equality.

"It’s particularly exciting to be opening this new restaurant this year as McDonald’s celebrates its 50th year in the UK."

Plans for the new branch were unveiled in September and it will fill the vacant unit previously occupied by Bird, which specialised in chicken and waffles.

That left in 2022 when the chain ceased trading.

McDonald’s used to have a branch at the shopping centre more than a decade ago but moved out before it received a £16m makeover announced in 2014.

As part of the renovation, the former car showroom next to the centre which had housed McDonald’s was knocked down and replaced with a new building with six units.

Also at the shopping centre is a Burger King drive-thru, Bella Italia, Nandos, Costa and Subway.

The restaurant will be the brand’s seventh restaurant across the Medway Towns.