Many people will have an opinion about today’s front page story addressing rumours of a McDonald’s restaurant opening in the current Best and Less site in The Levee precinct.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While the Mercury cannot confirm or dismiss rumours that a McDonald’s is planned for our city centre, it is duty bound to report on this Maitland murmur which is, in some quarters, being hailed as a fait accompli.
The Mercury’s inquiries show some aspects of the rumour stack up. It’s been confirmed that the former Centro Hunter Mall now falls under the Federation Centres umbrella and is set for a multi-million dollar facelift. We can also confirm that Best and Less is moving out of the current paved area and into the Hunter Mall.
Beyond that, Maitland mayor Peter Blackmore says council has not been approached about the matter. And McDonald’s Australia had not, at the time this article was written, responded to the Mercury’s queries.
Regardless, the rumour of a McDonald’s in the mall has polarised the community.
Some people who’ve spoken to the Mercury think it’s a wonderful idea. They are excited by the prospect of a popular, high-traffic trader drawing people into the area. They like the idea that it will appeal to a younger demographic .
Others, however, talk about the Australian obesity issue or predict hordes of ill-mannered youth with associated noise, rubbish and social issues. They question how an international fast-food outlet fits with Maitland City Council’s vision for a boutique, coffee-culture Levee.
Whether or not a McDonald’s is a good fit for Maitland’s CBD is for council, and the community, to decide.
The Mercury’s role is simply to provide all with the information they need to make an informed choice.