Midnight Maccas? McDonalds wants 24/7 outlet in the heart of Crows Nest.

By ANNA USHER

Plans to open a 24-hour McDonald’s restaurant in the heart of Crows Nest have been lodged with North Sydney Council.

The fast-food giant has submitted a Development Application to transform the former Westpac building at 31 Willoughby Rd into a round-the-clock outlet, despite the proposal exceeding Council’s standard late-night trading hours.

The $2.65 million development includes a full internal fit-out, Macca’s “golden arches” signage and external works – but no on-site parking. The site is expected to rely heavily on foot traffic and public transport connections in the busy mixed-use precinct.

If approved, it will be the fourth McDonald’s on the lower north shore, joining existing stores in North Sydney, St Leonards and Cremorne.

The 370sqm corner site, with frontages on both Willoughby Rd and Burlington St, is projected to create around 100 new jobs, according to a Statement of Environmental Effects submitted with the DA.

“McDonald’s is the nation’s largest employer of youth and has more than 1,030 stores throughout Australia and employs over 115,000 employees,” the report states.

“The economic contribution of McDonald’s Australia to the national economy is very significant. The employment opportunities offered by opening a McDonald’s store in Crows Nest has obvious economic benefits to members of the local business community, but the social benefits should not be underestimated.”

Deliveries and waste collection would be managed via Zig Zag Lane during off-peak hours, with McDonald’s asserting that community impacts will be “minimal”.

While the Crime Risk Assessment acknowledges the potential for increased anti-social behaviour at a 24/7 site, the company says a combination of lighting, clear sight lines and active management will help maintain public safety.

“McDonald’s seeks to make their operations as attractive as possible and maintain their sites to a high standard so that customers continue to visit both during the day and night periods,” the report states.

“Routine maintenance checks and reporting will be carried out to ensure the property is maintained and to reduce the likelihood of crime or vandalism.”

The application also notes that robust, graffiti-resistant materials will be used “where appropriate”, with any damage “repaired and removed promptly by personnel or contractors.”