24/7 McDonald’s ruffles resident’s feathers in Sydney’s North Shore

A move from McDonald’s has caused outrage among residents living in one of the nation’s most affluent areas.

A ritzy suburb is up in arms over a proposed 24/7 McDonald’s.

Crows Nest residents — on Sydney’s North Shore — have hit back at a development application lodged by the fast food giant to convert a former Westpac bank into an around-the-clock operation.

Sitting at 31 Willoughby Road, the $2.65 million development would include a complete internal transformation, the iconic golden arch signage, and external reconfigurations, all while becoming the fourth McDonald’s within a 2km radius.

Longtime resident Jamie Vachon said it is not the outlet itself that is the concern, but the 24/7 operations, which he claims will bring “security concerns, noise and trash”.

“My first reaction was that we don’t need a McDonalds,” he told news.com.au.

“I’ve lived in Crows Nest since 2009, and in the North Sydney Council area since 2002.

“We have many locally owned restaurants that serve amazing burgers and such … but then again, we have an Oporto, Ogalo, Subway, and Grill’d so chain restaurants aren’t new to the area,” Mr Vachon added.

Proposed 3D rendering of the around-the-clock McDonald's, located at 31 Willoughby Road. Picture: Supplied

“We were a bit shocked to learn that it was proposed to open in the previous Westpac branch, but when we learned that the proposal was for 24/7 operation, that’s when I got active.”

Upon reviewing the development application documents, Mr Vachon discovered North Sydney Council had already shut down the request for around-the-clock operations in pre-planning meetings – ignored by the McDonald’s proposal, which reapplied to run 24 hours.

“There is nothing that operates those hours in Crows Nest and all businesses close by midnight, bar one, the Crows Nest Hotel,” he said.

“The location and hours are clearly designed to serve customers from that venue – the drunk and unruly customers.”

Crows Nest resident Jamie Vachon has already received close to 500 signatures on his change.org petition. Picture: Supplied

Mr Vachon said there had been no community consultation from the fast food chain nor the council, having heard about the DA via word of mouth.

“It’s not so much that it’s a Maccas, it’s the location and hours,” he added.

“The Crows Nest Hotel employs many security staff just to operate late and a McDonalds won’t be set up to manage in the same way.

“It’ll bring security concerns, noise, trash, and other issues to the area at a time when everything else is closed.

“As well, the area around Zig Zag Lane (which has been designated as the delivery and waste collection point) is notorious for rats and this will only make those problems far worse.

The fast food giant dismissed direction by North Sydney Council regarding its proposed around-the-clock operations. Picture: iStock

“Local businesses will have to deal with the fallout each morning because a large corporation just wants to muscle its way in and serve drunk people throughout the night.”

These concerns were echoed by a local restaurant and bar owner, who asked to remain anonymous.

He said a McDonald’s in Crows Nest, a community he has been a part of for over a decade, is against “what makes us special”.

“I felt even putting a McDonald’s in with local owned businesses is completely against what I love about our community,” he told news.com.au.

“It’s a step closer to becoming just like every other train station (suburb) in Sydney.

“I would like to see McDonald’s stick to St Leonards and leave Crows Nest to what it does best. We are losing what made us special.

The 24/7 McDonald's would be located in the heart of Crows Nest, in the former Westpac building. Picture: Google Maps

“There are enough McDonald’s within a short distance.”

The restaurateur said he had been working with other local businesses closely to oppose the development, citing concerns about vandalism and an increase in unruly clientele.

“I don’t think it will impact my business financially but think it will increase vandalism and break-ins,” he added.

“Other businesses owners feel the same, the increase in delivery on bikes will cause accidents on footpaths and roads.

“At no time was anyone asked about this proposal and it is opposed by almost all owners in the area.

“The increase in bored teenagers that will gather looking for things to do will be looked at and we are talking about organising security for the first time – the security will be needed and change the friendly atmosphere of the area.”

A local business owner expressed concerns about food delivery riders and the possibility of increased accidents on the footpath. Picture: Bill Hearne

A change.org petition started by Mr Vachon has already racked up close to 500 signatures.

Forty-five submissions have been made to Council opposing the move.

North Sydney Council said it recognises there are community concerns about the application.

“We will review and consider submissions made during the notification period, in accordance with s4.15 of the EP & A Act 1979,” a spokesperson told news.com.au.

McDonald’s Australia told news.com.au it hoped to become a “welcome member of the community”.

“We are continuing to work through the Development Application process with the North Sydney Council,” it said.

“McDonald’s has been a part of North Sydney communities for more than 30 years, providing hundreds of local jobs and supporting local community groups.

“If approved, a Macca’s in Crows Nest will create more than 100 new local jobs and create opportunities for community partnerships and sponsorships and involve an investment of approximately $2.6 million.”

It refused to comment on North Sydney Council’s dismissal of the proposed 24/7 operations.

It’s not the first time the fast food giant has tried to extend their presence in the area.

In 2022, plans by McDonald’s to permanently extend the opening hours of the St Leonards’ outlet were shut down by disgruntled residents.

The company stated the move would provide “an ongoing essential service to the community”, including those working at the nearby Royal North Shore Hospital and train passengers.