Fast food giants McDonald’s are due to begin construction work on their new Barrhead outlet by the end of this month.

The firm was granted planning permission for the development by East Renfrewshire Council in October and hope to be open for business by the start of July.

Last March, the Barrhead News first revealed plans to build a £4million outlet at a vacant site in Bowerwalls Place, off Glasgow Road, in 2023, with the promise of 120 jobs.

The new branch will have 76 tables and parking spaces for 54 vehicles, as well as six cycle spaces.

A McDonald’s spokesperson said: “The store will support around 120 full-time and part-time jobs, as well as creating new jobs within the supply chain during the construction phase.

“Overall, it will bring a significant investment of around £4million.”

Once completed, the eatery will be just the second McDonald’s operating in East Renfrewshire.

The other site in Thornliebank has been open for more than 20 years.

A public consultation was carried out by McDonald’s on social media last year, with local residents being given the opportunity to have their say on the Barrhead proposals prior to planning permission being granted.

McDonald’s main rivals Burger King are also planning to open a new outlet at a nearby location, prompting claims that a ‘burger war’ is coming to town.

The new Burger King will be on the site of the former Nestlé Purina factory, which is being converted into a retail park that will include Lidl, Starbucks and discount retailer B&M.

The £16million retail park development is expected to have created around 200 new jobs by the time of completion later this year.

A sod-cutting ceremony was carried out last April to officially mark the commencement of work.

The complex will have 362 car parking spaces, including eight rapid chargers for electric vehicles.

McDonald’s arrival in Barrhead, with the prospect of new jobs, has previously been welcomed by East Renfrewshire Chamber of Commerce.

However, some town centre traders have been less enthusiastic about the decision to allow the likes of McDonald’s and Burger King to set up shop here.

They fear the new arrivals will have a negative impact on existing food businesses.