Features of Gore will be on show inside the new McDonald's restaurant set to open in the town later this year as the fast-food giant was warmly welcomed into the community by the Gore District Council.
McDonald's was given resource consent in late January to demolish the former Kelvin House building in the town's main street to open a new restaurant which would be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
But the move prompted an outcry in some circles, with some concerned the heritage building would be wiped off the landscape for good.
While talks between the company and council did not stop building from going ahead, a council statement suggests all is not lost.
Mayor Tracy Hicks said he was pleased with the company's positive attitude at a recent meeting to discuss the future of the building's facade.
"It became apparent early in the meeting that McDonald's had made an earnest effort to retain the facade.
"However, due to the design of the new restaurant, including vehicle access and exit, together with the acknowledgement that it [the building] has been extensively modified over the years, retention was not practicable."
McDonald's was very keen to become part of the Gore community, Mr Hicks said.
Council arts and heritage curator Jim Geddes will work with the restaurant designers to advise on heritage content to be included in the new building.
The company has also agreed to sponsor two events.
One will be the annual Christmas in the Park concert.
The other event is yet to be decided.
Construction will start next month and the new restaurant is expected to open in November.
