A proposed 24-hour McDonald’s at 212–214 King Street, Newtown, has ignited fierce opposition from local business owners and residents, who warn the iconic Inner West district could lose its unique charm should the fast-food giant move in.
Documents filed by SLR Consulting Australia—a firm associated with previous McDonald’s proposals—outline plans for a $1.7 million outlet in a heritage building next to Clem’s chicken shop. The restaurant would seat up to 20 people, employ around 10 staff during the day and three overnight, and operate round the clock.
For King Street’s mix of independent cafes and chicken shops, the proposed Macca’s is viewed as an existential threat. Owners like MD Ruben of Broaster Chicken say they may be forced to close or relocate if the new restaurant opens. “I don’t think small business can survive,” he said, fearing McDonald’s price power and marketing reach will crush local competition. Ogalo Newtown’s co-owner Razwan Raza echoes that sentiment, citing sky-high rent and operating costs that his family business cannot sustain under pressure from corporate giants.
Residents have rallied behind the opposition: an online petition aiming to stop the development has already gained hundreds of signatures, while calls to retain Newtown’s character have intensified amid recent fast food saturation along King Street—a stretch already home to six chicken outlets within 100 meters.
McDonald’s Australia, in turn, highlights the proposal’s job creation potential (over 100 jobs) and a £2 million investment in the community. They say they are committed to consulting with councils and designing the restaurant with community feedback in mind. However, critics argue the cost of that community character has already been too high.
(Source: 9News)
