THREE new businesses are heading into Gloucester after councillors signed off their proposals.
Multi-national fast food chain McDonald's will create 65 jobs with a new drive-thru restaurant at St Oswald's retail park while, at the other end of the spectrum, an independent floating cafe will float into the Docks, mooring at the Barge Arm.
Elsewhere, an 80-bed dementia care home will spring up on the corner of Southgate Street and Trier Way, transforming the current derelict eyesore.
The site previously had planning permission for flats and houses but those schemes have fallen victim to the recession.
However, the city council's planning committee was told by a spokesman for developers Markey that they were ready and waiting to start building "as soon as possible".
Some concerns were raised about access into the complex from Southgate Street and, while the plan was given permission, Highways officials will be asked to look again at potential congestion problems at the busy junction.
Coun Mary Smith (L, Matson and Robinswood) said: "I'm very very pleased to see this come forward.
"We've had a number of possibles over the years but nothing going ahead – it's a terrible eyesore."
The Cafe on the Cut, as the new narrowboat eatery will be called, was welcomed with open arms by councillors too.
It is the brainchild of Stroud-based Vanessa Radwell, who is still to buy the boat but has lived on waterways for nine years.
She said: "It's going to be ethical and eco-friendly. I held a meeting with nearby residents about it and answered all their questions – one person asked me for a job."
Coun Andy Lewis (C, Quedgeley Severn Vale) said: "It's a quirky, quaint, typically English thing in our docks and I think it's absolutely wonderful."
Finally, McDonald's will add to its portfolio in Gloucester after getting the nod for a new drive-thru near Tesco and Frankie and Benny's.
Company spokesman Steven Carpenter said at the meeting they shared the council's "ambitious plans" for the city and were keen to be a big part of it.