McDonald’s is set to move into an out-of-town shopping centre in a major boost to its exciting plans to become a “regional retail and leisure destination”.

The US fast food giant is taking up a prime position at Chatham Dockside, KentOnline can exclusively reveal.

The franchise will take up space currently occupied by long-standing tenant Choice discount store which is moving upstairs to a bigger unit.

Meanwhile, rapidly expanding pub and restaurant operators Loungers has applied to move in next door to McDonald’s opposite the newly-opened Wagamama and Zizzi.

Centre manager Anthony Sutton said the forthcoming changes at the centre, which opened just over 20 years ago, would support its ambition to become a “regional retail and leisure destination”.

It is hoped the new tenants will be up and running by next spring.

Choice, which offers cut-price lines from Next, is moving into the Peacocks clothing store which announced it will be leaving by the end of this month.

Mr Sutton said: “Both the McDonald’s and Choice deals are a real testament to our commitment to Dockside and the broader Chatham Maritime project. We cannot wait to see them open their doors.”

WDC Ltd, the retail management company which owns Dockside, clinched a 25-year lease for the 5,000 sq ft outlet.

A spokesman said two new units alongside the McDonald’s diner were being created with leasing discussions progressing well.

One of the units is understood to be going to Loungers, the other tenant has yet to be revealed.

Mr Sutton added that advanced negotiations were under way to “deliver new brands and some additional experimental leisure activities Dockside”.

He continued: “The centre is transforming from its historic outlet focus and becoming a regional retail and leisure destination.”

It will be the eighth McDonald’s franchise in Medway, the last opening at Hempstead Valley Shopping Centre in March.

Choice‘s move next to the anchor store The Range will provide a new and improved environment to showcase its fashion and home ranges.

Bristol-based Loungers hospitality company was launched by three friends and, as of May this year, has 220 licensed premises nationwide.

Described as a combination of a British boozer, coffee shop and restaurant, it boasts a “home from home” ambience,

The cafe-bar and restaurant chain has branches in Kent already, including Sittingbourne and Thanet.

Each is individually named and tailored to the site and local area.

In recent years, Dockside has revealed significant proposals to launch into the leisure and fitness sector.

Planning permission has been sought to turn the upper section into an area which could accommodate a dance studio or workout area with specialised sports.

Permission had originally been granted for change of use to an indoor climbing wall, but it was felt this would be too restrictive and the new application provides a broader remit.