Plan Ahead: Major road closures in North Sydney for Sydney Marathon this weekend.Fast food giant McDonalds withdraws application for new Crows Nest restaurant.
Not McLovin’ it. Plans for a McDonalds in Crows Nest have been abandoned by the fast-food giant.
By ANNA USHER
Plans for a McDonald’s in the heart of Crows Nest have been scrapped, with the fast-food giant withdrawing its $2.65 million development application after months of community backlash.
Lodged in May, the proposal sought approval to redevelop the former Westpac Bank at 31 Willoughby Rd into a new 24/7 Maccas. The plans included seating for 20 diners, an internal fitout, illuminated signage – but no on-site parking.
The restaurant wanted to open on the site of the old Westpac building on Willoughby Rd.
The bid sparked an immediate community reaction, with many arguing that a round-the-clock Golden Arches was out of step with the suburb’s village character and would add late-night noise, rubbish and delivery congestion to the already busy area.
A change.org petition opposing the restaurant gained nearly 700 signatures, with close to 70 formal objections also raised with North Sydney Council.
In July, McDonalds submitted amended plans, scaling back proposed operating hours from 5am until midnight.
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In July, following a Council recommendation to reduce trading hours, McDonalds submitted amended plans, scaling back its operating hours from 5am until midnight. But now the company has abandoned the project entirely, with Council records confirming:
“The applicant has chosen to withdraw DA145/2025/1. The matter is now closed.” — North Sydney Council.
For local campaigner Jamie Vachon, who led the opposition efforts, told Mosman Collective the decision marks a major community victory.
“If McDonalds want to go ahead with a Crows Nest location, the best place would be near the Metro,” he told Mosman Collective.
Locals have been quick to point out there are already three local McDonalds outlets, in North Sydney, Cremorne and St Leonards.
“We were opposed to a 24/7 restaurant in the heart of Crows Nest, and locals strongly voiced their opinion against it.
“There are also several McDonalds restaurants close to Crowie, in North Sydney, St Leonards and also in Cremorne.”
A local business owner, who did not wish to be named, told Mosman Collective even though there were several fast-food chains on Willoughby Rd, the arrival of McDonalds “would not be welcomed”.
“Having McDonalds in Crows Nest would destroy the character of the village,” he said, “we have plenty of burger joints on this strip, and there is no need for another one.
“I’m not opposed to McDonalds, but opening on the Westpac site is not the right place for it.”
Mosman Collective has reached out to McDonalds for comment, but our request remained unanswered at the time of publication.
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