McDonald’s restaurant rumoured for King Street, Newtown

An inner Sydney suburb that prides itself on its individuality has erupted over rumours another 24-hour fast food franchise is moving in, with a mysterious development application omitting a key detail.

Potential plans for a McDonald’s in Newtown have sparked fury among residents. Picture: Andrew Henshaw

Rumours a McDonald’s is coming to one of Sydney’s most determinedly unique suburbs have sparked outrage among the community, with a mysterious no-name development application for a 24-hour food outlet stoking the gossip.

The new business has been proposed for a shopfront at 212-214 King St and will operate 24-hours, seven days a week.

The applicant SLR Consulting Australia (SLR), who claims on their website they make “sustainability happen” and promise to deliver environmentally sound solutions, has faced controversy before for making McDonald’s plans.

SLR lodged a Macca’s application for Balgowlah which was rejected this month after the Northern Beaches Council received 600 submissions against the development.

Newtown locals, who are highly suspicious the planned business will be a McDonald’s, took to Facebook to express their outrage.

How the planned building will appear from the outside.

“No brand is mentioned in the documents (which is interesting in its own right),” a woman wrote.

“Not many well known takeaway food and drink brands would be able to justify such large property development expenses.”

The proposed floor plan.

“That will be McDonalds for sure,” a man wrote.

“No! Not Macca’s,” another woman wrote.

The site, based with the King Street conservation area, can seat up to 20 people, with plans for about 10 staff members to be rostered on during the day and about three at night.

The application states the proposal will result in a visually enhanced, efficient and secure development which will contribute socially and economically to the area.

A side view of the planned building.

“The operations will generate employment opportunities and to provide a convenient, accessible hospitality site to satisfy the demands of a range of local residents, workers and tourists,” it reads.

“This takeaway food and drink premise will provide training opportunities for young people to learn skills that will assist them with their future employment.”

SLR stated the development is considered to be in the public’s interest, even with the business name not present on the application, and is worthy of council’s support.

The planned site will be located on 212-214 King St.

This comes after a KFC opened on the same road two weeks ago and received a mixed response from locals with some stating the area did not need another chicken shop, and others joking it was finger-lickin’ good news.

The KFC was nestled between six other chicken shops in a 100m radius which includes Gami Chicken, El Jannah Chicken, Ogalo Newtown, Broaster Chicken and Clem’s.

Comment has been sought from the City of Sydney and SRL.

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Originally published as McDonald’s restaurant rumoured for King Street, Newtown