Police say a proposal to put a 24-hour McDonald’s in the heart of Redfern will lead to a spike in violent crime and e-bike theft, as the plans ignite indignation among residents.
In a submission to the council’s independent planning panel, Senior Constable Peter Langbein said a McDonald’s outlet could introduce more e-bike thefts, robberies and violent crime after dark.
An artist’s impression of a proposed 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in Redfern. Credit: Webber Architects
The site is on the corner of Redfern and Regent streets and is occupied by a tobacconist and a linen shop. Angry residents have labelled the proposal a “poison and blemish on the map of Redfern” and a “fluorescent blight”.
Langbein wrote in his submission that an increase in people coming to Redfern for the restaurant could contribute to antisocial behaviour in neighbouring streets.
“Patrons leaving the premises during late hours are likely to engage in a range of behaviour, which need not rise to a level of criminality yet will adversely affect the neighbourhood, including talking amongst themselves, yelling, screaming and arguing,” he said.
Being so close to a train station, and being a place “where youth tend to meet up” to use free Wi-Fi and get a cheap meal, is expected to increase crime in Redfern, Langbein said.
The site of the proposed McDonald’s. Credit: Dean Sewell
Council received 269 objections and 17 supportive submissions to the plans.
Many objectors took issue with having the fast-food outlet so close to key Indigenous community services, including the Aboriginal Medical Service. The chair of the Aboriginal Housing Company said the proposal would undermine work done by groups to make Redfern safe at night.
The council’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Advisory Panel strongly objected to the plans. A submission by co-chairs Daniel Munro and La Toya Pinner said a McDonald’s would “encourage unhealthy dietary habits” and “exacerbate existing health disparities”.
In the few supportive submissions to council, some residents said the proposal would bring much-needed jobs to the community and deliver a makeover to the ageing building.
City of Sydney Council is recommending that the $3 million proposal be refused at a planning panel meeting on Wednesday.
A spokesperson for McDonald’s said the company sees “strong potential” in Redfern.
“We welcome feedback from council and the community and will be engaging openly with stakeholders and community members over the coming weeks to understand and address any concerns,” they said.
“If approved, the proposed McDonald’s in Redfern would create more than 100 local jobs, create opportunities for community partnerships and sponsorships, and involve an investment of approximately $3 million.”
Despite best efforts, McDonald’s has struggled to keep its golden arches in trendy, gentrified Sydney suburbs.
The company flagged plans to build a 24-hour drive-through near Marrickville’s breweries and cafes in 2023. The proposal is yet to move to the development application stage, but residents have already made their feelings known on forums and social media.
One described the prospect of a McDonald’s in Marrickville as “crass, trashy, nauseating, and worst of all, boring”.
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