The closure of the Poundland in Riverside Retail Park nearly a year ago sparked speculation over which retailer could move into the massive space.

But now it seems a frontrunner has emerged with suggestions that the new occupant could be McDonald’s.

Plans were recently approved to change the use of Units 7A and 7B in Albion Way - the former Poundland - from commercial use to allowing it to serve hot food.

And while McDonald's has been coy in declaring its involvement with the site, it hasn't denied the rumours.

McDonald's hasn't denied the rumours it could be moving into the former Poundland shopMcDonald's hasn't denied the rumours it could be moving into the former Poundland shop (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

A spokesman for McDonald's said: "We are always on the lookout for suitable locations and are currently exploring a number of opportunities in the wider area."

Details first started circulating in April this year when a planning application was submitted to Norwich City Council.

This was backed up by an industry source who added there were whispers that some employees from other city branches would be moved over to the new Riverside restaurant. 

Agents for the application, Planware, say the application might help the site become a more attractive prospect for restaurants that rely heavily on takeaway customers.

READ MORE: Man thrown through city centre shop window escapes with just a few cuts

The news also drew attention from the police who said it was concerned about increased anti-social behaviour (ASB) and thefts should the application be approved.

Poundland, at Riverside Retail Park, closed in December 2023Poundland, at Riverside Retail Park, closed in December 2023 (Image: Newsquest)

A statement in response to the application in May said: "Unfortunately, the Riverside Retail Park is an area of growing concern for Norfolk police and this needs be taken into consideration with the application.

READ MORE: Rental car business coming to city outskirts after plans gets green light

"The location is unfortunately experiencing a high volume of retail theft and associated ASB and is a location of growing concern for the police.

"Norfolk Constabulary has been reviewing crime figures during the last 18 months and Riverside has been consistently identified as the top location for retail crime in the county."

Poundland closed down at the retail park on December 24, 2023, and has remained empty since.

Police are concerned about increased anti-social behaviour (ASB) and thefts in the areaPolice are concerned about increased anti-social behaviour (ASB) and thefts in the area (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

MCDONALD'S CITY TAKEOVER

While speculation surrounds the Riverside site, McDonald's has been hard at work leaving its mark on the city.

The most recent city spot that will be seeing the famous golden arches is Mousehold after a near two-year long back-and-forth between the restaurant and the Norwich City Council.

The plans to replace Sprowston company Richard Nash Cars, next to the M&S petrol station in Mousehold Lane, were submitted in January 2022.

The site of the tenth McDonald's coming to the city in Mousehold LaneThe site of the tenth McDonald's coming to the city in Mousehold Lane (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

The city council's planning committee dismissed plans for the drive-through restaurant by the slimmest of margins - by a vote of six to five - at the end of 2022.

However an appeal from the fast food giant in September last year has seen the city council's decision overturned and paves the way for the restaurant - which attracted some strong opposition - to be built.

The decision means there will soon be a total of 10 McDonald's restaurants in and around the city and this could increase to 11 should the rumours around Riverside come to fruition.

The McDonald's met strong opposition during its roughly two-year proposalThe McDonald's met strong opposition during its roughly two-year proposal (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)