Six figure revamp at Oldbury McDonalds will create 10 jobs

Ten new jobs are to be created in Oldbury as fast food chain McDonald's carries out a six-figure revamp to a restaurant next to a busy junction.

The restaurant at Birchley Island, off Wolverhampton Road, was closed earlier this month for refurbishment.

Bosses, who are looking now to recruit 10 extra staff, say the restaurant will reopen on October 10. Dining tables in the restaurant will include built in computer tablets, while the eating area will have comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi.

There will also be new self-service kiosks and digital menu boards for customers. The restaurant attracts good business thanks to the 92,000 drivers who use Birchley Island everyday. Pritpal Sagoo, operations consultant said: "Through the investment in our Oldbury restaurant, we're pleased to be able to play a part in the regeneration of the local area and give the local economy a boost. It's not just about providing a fresh, new environment though, we also believe in investing in people, and it's great to be able to create 10 brand new jobs as a result of the re-design.

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"With excellent training programmes and career opportunities, including the apprenticeship scheme, on offer to all of McDonald's employees, the roles will hopefully appeal to a broad spectrum of people." A McDonald's spokesman added: "Our restaurant on Wolverhampton Road, Oldbury is currently closed whilst we refurbish the restaurant and give it a brand new look. "The work represents a significant investment and will see the restaurant get a brand new interior and also a new drive-thru ordering system." The refurbishment is part of a national programme by the company over the past eight years.

The jobs on offer at the restaurant range from crew members to managers. The staff will benefit from an improved kitchen and a leisure room featuring a sofa, television and computer.

Workers will also be encouraged to use the area to study. The company offers qualifications in maths and English to employees.

McDonald's last year claimed to be making a £5.2million contribution to the Sandwell economy every year. It has four restaurants in the borough, employing more than 300 people.

The restaurant revamp comes as community leaders consider what to do with Birchley Island. Next month councillors will choose one of four options for the busy island.

The ideas include widening the M5 link, creating a two-way 'hamburger island', an island that has a road go through it, and creating a traffic junction.

The council's aim is to reduce queues of traffic at the junction and improve safety for users, which include pedestrians and cyclists.