Council Approves McDonald's Development
At the ordinary business meeting held on Thursday 24 July, Councillors voted unanimously to approve the demolition of the former Roxy Theatre in Meade Street, and the construction of a McDonald's Restaurant on the site.
Deputy Mayor, Colin Price, addressed the meeting in support of the demolition of the Roxy to make way for McDonald's. "Councillors are elected to represent the local community, and the overwhelming view of the community is that the development application is warranted on economic, social and public interest grounds," he said. "This decision is based on the obvious socio-economic benefits and also on the increase in community confidence in being able to achieve something that has been mooted over a long period. It is seen as a symbol of positive commercial interest in Glen Innes that will provide jobs and training for young people in particular. This important decision is deemed to be in the best public interest of our community."
Kaye Tompson, McDonald's Development Manager Real Estate (NSW), and local man, Col Lightfoot, addressed Councillors in support of the McDonald's development. "McDonald's values the opportunity to become part of the Glen Innes community," Ms Tompson said.
Cr Price moved that Council approve the demolition of the former Roxy Theatre. "It is acknowledged that the former Roxy is locally listed as ‘heritage' under the Glen Innes Municipal Council Local Environment Plan," he said. "Council values the heritage buildings in our area, and is encouraging maintenance of heritage buildings with its heritage fund. The demolition should not be seen as setting a precedent in respect to other heritage buildings in our area."
Cr Price explained that the option of adaptive reuse of the former Roxy theatre for a McDonald's was considered, and was not economically or practically feasible for this development, or likely for other developments wanting to utilise the building. "Retaining the front façade, one room deep, restricts traffic movement and visibility with regards to pedestrian traffic," he said. "The building is too close to two (2) boundaries to allow for the drive-through facility, necessary to make this development economically viable. Adaptive reuse has been appropriate in urban areas where drive-throughs are not necessary."
After the demolition of the Roxy was unanimously approved, Council considered a Development Application (DA) for the consolidation and subdivision of a number of existing lots located at the corner of Meade and Church Streets. "This DA was necessary to allow the McDonald's Restaurant and the Woolworths Service Station to be sited on their own lots," explained Director of Development and Environmental Services, Graham Price. Councillors also unanimously voted to approve this DA.
Cr David Cooper moved the motion to approve the construction of a McDonald's Restaurant on the site of the former Roxy Theatre. "This is an historic day for Glen Innes and for this Council," he said. "It gives me great pleasure to move this motion, and I hope for support from my fellow councillors." Once again, the motion received unanimous support.
Council also approved the DA for the construction and use of a Woolworths Service Station on the site of the former BP service station.
Contact details
The Mayor
toms9@bigpond.net.au
