GSSArchitecture were appointed to design a masterplan for a new retail parade at the southern edge of Corby. Known as the Corby Southern Gateway, the plan encompasses part of the Oakley Hay development, adjacent to the A6003, which is a key entrance to the town. The masterplan includes a new filling station, commercial and retail units, including new McDonald’s, Costa and Domino’s Pizza units, with parking for some 340 vehicles. There are also footpaths and cycle lanes, with facilities for bike parking. In all, the area covers the equivalent of just under 9 football pitches. The McDonald’s unit was constructed using prefabricated structures; a total of 11 pieces were fixed together on site. This method allows for huge time savings with installations taking 2-3 days followed by the internal fit out which took between 2 and 3 weeks. The new unit is of particular significance as McDonald’s are trialling a new interior design scheme, with the aim to make the restaurant feel more “homely” and stand out a lot more than the typical McDonald’s interiors, which are all relatively similar.