Chirnside Park Maroondah Highway site: McDonald’s, KFC Taco Bell planned

It was set to become a Kaufland supermarket, but now a new $15 million plan has been unveiled to transform a vacant block of land in Chirnside Park.

A new plan has been unveiled for the former Kaufland site in Chirnside Park.

An eyesore on Melbourne’s eastern fringe will become one-stop shop for lovers of fast food. Three fast food giants — KFC, McDonald’s and Taco Bell — want to move into a vacant block on land in Chirnside Park, which would create hundreds of new jobs if the $15m development gets the tick of approval.

Yarra Ranges Council has received a planning application for 266-268 Maroondah Highway, formerly owned by Kaufland, before the German supermarket chain pulled the pin on plans to open in Australia.

The 3.91ha site was one of nine properties across the country listed for sale in 2020 through industrial real estate agent Colliers International, and was sold in December.

The new plan proposes buildings and works to construct 10 retail premises, three convenience restaurants, five shops and a food and drink premises.

Plans lodged with the council reveal KFC, McDonald’s and Taco Bell will open at the site if the proposal is approved.

The site neighbours the Eastridge bars and restaurant, Bunnings, Harvey Norman, Officeworks, JB HiFi and the Good Guys.

A McDonald’s Australia spokesperson said it was working through the development application approval process for the proposed restaurant in Chirnside Park.

“Every McDonald’s restaurant is committed to supporting the community within the area it operates through job creation, economic investment and ongoing training and development opportunities,” the spokesperson said.

“If approved, the proposed restaurant would inject over $5 million into the local economy and create 100 jobs during construction, as well as a further 120 jobs once operational.”

Yarra Ranges Council planning, design and development director Kath McClusky said the council had sought more information from the applicant about the proposal since documents were lodged, and this information had just been provided.

“We’re in discussions with the applicant and expect the application will be out on advertising in coming months,” Ms McClusky said.

“We encourage community members interested in this application to read the plans and make a submission on our ePlanning website – eplanning.yarraranges.vic.gov.au

“Because of the estimated cost of the works, this application will be heard at a public council meeting later this year.”