McDonald’s Possibly Coming to Liepāja: Demolition & New Building Planned

Liepāja may soon be home to a McDonald’s restaurant, pending final approvals, as demolition work prepares a key waterfront site for new construction. While not officially confirmed by the fast-food giant, plans are underway to redevelop the area at Jaunā ostmala 7, currently occupied by dilapidated buildings.

The property owner, SIA “SC Liepāja,” has secured approval from the Liepāja Building Board to dismantle existing structures and build a new commercial building. The project, approved on March 11, 2026, involves demolishing a former administrative building and two residential buildings at Jaunā ostmala 7 and 2B. A technical assessment revealed that the buildings are significantly deteriorated, with physical dilapidation ranging from 40-65%. The building at Jaunā ostmala 2B is particularly compromised, with partial roof collapse and a long-standing presence on the city’s register of degrading structures. According to the assessment, restoration would require disproportionate investment.

Demolition and Site Preparation

Demolition is slated to begin in early April, with SIA “EkoDeal” contracted to handle the work in compliance with environmental regulations and responsible waste management practices. The initial phase involves clearing interiors, disconnecting utilities, and then systematically dismantling the structures. Following demolition, the site will be leveled and prepared for new construction. Liepajniekiem.lv reports that the demolition work received final approval from the building board on March 11th, 2026.

New Construction Plans

Alongside the demolition, plans are in place for a new building on the property. A building permit for the new construction was issued on January 21, 2026, and the building project is currently in the development stage. The planned structure will be a single-story commercial building, incorporating landscaping, accessibility features, and pedestrian-friendly pathways. The officially designated use for the new building is a fast-food restaurant, strongly suggesting McDonald’s as the intended tenant, though this remains unconfirmed.

Local Economic Impact and Zoning

The development aligns with Liepāja’s territorial plan, which designates the Jaunā ostmala 7 land as a mixed-use area for commercial and public buildings (JD1), permitting this type of commercial development. The project represents a potential boost to the local economy, creating construction jobs in the short term and potentially permanent positions within the restaurant once operational. The revitalization of a currently degraded area of the waterfront also offers aesthetic improvements for the city.

SC Liepāja: The Developer Behind the Project

The driving force behind the redevelopment is SIA “SC Liepāja,” a Latvian company registered in Saldus novads. Lursoft data identifies the company’s registration number as 40203080123 and lists its address as “Torņi”, LV-3862. The company’s involvement signals a private investment in Liepāja’s infrastructure and commercial landscape. The architectural design is being handled by SIA “Diānas Zalānes projektu birojs.”

Facade Considerations and Minimal Traffic Impact

The building permit stipulates that the facade design and color scheme must be approved by the authorities to ensure the new building integrates harmoniously with the surrounding urban environment. Importantly, the project does not anticipate any changes to the existing traffic flow in the area, minimizing disruption during construction and operation. This suggests the development is designed to complement, rather than overwhelm, the existing infrastructure.

What’s Next: Facade Approval and Construction Timeline

The immediate next step involves securing approval for the building’s facade materials and color scheme. Once this is obtained, construction of the new building can commence. While a precise completion date hasn’t been announced, the approved demolition timeline suggests the site will be ready for building construction by late spring or early summer of 2026. The project’s progress will be monitored by the Liepāja Building Board to ensure compliance with all regulations and permit conditions. Further updates will likely be provided as the construction phase progresses and more details about the tenant – potentially McDonald’s – are revealed.

The redevelopment of Jaunā ostmala 7 represents a slight but significant step in Liepāja’s ongoing efforts to modernize its waterfront and attract investment. The potential arrival of a globally recognized brand like McDonald’s could further enhance the city’s appeal to both residents and tourists. A Facebook post from Liepāja City Council highlights the planned territory arrangement and development.