American fast food icon KFC will soon be lighting up one of Australia’s multicultural gems and some locals aren’t happy about it.
Sydney City Council has approved a KFC store for Newtown’s King St, a popular strip that winds through the inner western suburb and is home to a cluster of small multicultural restaurants, including chicken joints.
The reaction on social media has been fast and furious.
“King St is basically a Westfield now,” one wrote on a private page dedicated to Newtown.
“King St is overrun with generic junk food stores that can pay the rent,” wrote another.
‘Maccas (McDonald’s) will return to this rhythm.’
Gami Chicken and Beer manager Adnan Khalid said Monday he was “absolutely furious” about the approval.
‘Honestly, what can I do? I’m absolutely furious.’
Sydney City Council has approved a KFC store for King St in Newtown, a popular strip that winds through the inner-country suburb and is home to a cluster of small multicultural restaurants, including chicken joints.
Another expressed concern that KFC could take away from Newtown’s “diversity and vibrancy” (file image)
‘It is Sydney City Council that has made the decision, there is not much they can do.
‘I don’t think they are listening to people. It has nothing to do with what people want.
“Whether you like it or not, this is happening and, like every other business, I just have to live through this and see how it will affect the long term.”
There are already six chicken shops on King St and some locals opposed the development on grounds of “oversaturation”.
“Adding another, especially one owned by a large multinational chain, does not contribute to the variety of dining options our community values,” one resident argued in a submission to the council’s planning department in July.
“Instead, it reinforces a monotonous dining landscape, which could stifle the growth of independent, unique restaurants.”
Another expressed concern that KFC could take away from Newtown’s “diversity and vibrancy”.
“To help local and independent businesses attract and retain customers, I would recommend that this development be rejected,” the person writes.
‘International fast food restaurants are family-friendly and naturally attract people, resulting in fewer customers for other businesses.
‘The diversity and vibrancy of Newtown is what makes the place great and discovering new restaurants doing unique and creative things in the area is an intrinsic part of that experience.
“The speed and anonymity of fast food also erodes the sense of community that is built in smaller, independent restaurants.”
KFC’s proposed storefront for 171 King St Newtown. The Sydney City Council approval document said the store will not house a conspicuous and obstructive KFC sign.
But in its approval document, the council said its planning controls did not include “group provisions” of the type that could prevent it from granting approval for another chicken restaurant in the area.
The council also concluded that the KFC store would not degrade the culture and heritage of Newtown or its small businesses.
“The proposed development is consistent with the land use zoning permitted under the Sydney Local Environment Plan 2012, surrounding uses on the site and existing development consent,” the document states.
The store will not house any KFC signs that obstruct and dazzle, the document adds.
“The proposed signage does not detract from the amenity or visual quality of the town or heritage conservation area, subject to conditions,” the approval states.
‘The proposed signage does not obscure or compromise any important views.
“It does not dominate the horizon and has no impact on the viewing rights of other advertisers.”
The new store will operate from 10am to 11pm Sunday to Thursday and then from 10am to 2am on Fridays and Saturdays.
KFC has been contacted for comment.
