Tag: 220 Melbourne Street

McDonald’s West End Construction Kicks Off on Melbourne Street

Construction is set to begin on a new McDonald’s restaurant in West End, following planning approval for a fitout confirmed earlier in 2026.

Read: West End McDonald’s Fitout Approved for Melbourne Street Site

McDonald’s Australia confirmed works will begin at 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, on the border between West End and South Brisbane. The site will operate as a 24-hour restaurant once complete. The project is expected to inject more than $5 million into the local economy and create around 80 jobs during construction, with a further 120 positions available when the restaurant opens later in 2026.

Render of McDonald’s West End (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001)

The restaurant will be operated by Mandy Wentworth, a Queensland local who began her career with McDonald’s as a crew member more than 24 years ago. The West End store will be her first as a licensee. In a statement, Ms Wentworth said the restaurant would aim to play an active role in the local community through jobs, training and support for local causes and groups.

According to McDonald’s Australia, the restaurant has been designed with the neighbourhood’s outdoor dining culture in mind. The fitout will include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a McCafe and a dedicated room for delivery partners.

Community Reaction Mixed

Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001

The announcement has drawn a divided response from local residents. Some have welcomed the development, citing convenience and proximity to other dining options in the area. Others have expressed opposition, with some calling for a boycott and urging locals to continue supporting independent businesses in the suburb.

The site attracted attention in November 2025 when hoarding erected around the location was targeted with graffiti opposing the development.

McDonald’s Australia said the restaurant would be operated by a local licensee and described the design as intended to complement West End’s streetscape.

Read: West End Bar Bosc to Close After 13 Years on Vulture Street

Nearby residents and businesses have been advised that construction firm Store Tec will carry out overnight works between 9pm and 6am from 1 June through to 3 July, with most activity expected to wind up by 1am on each working night.

No opening date has been confirmed.

Published 2-June-2026

West End McDonald’s Fitout Approved for Melbourne Street Site

Building work is anticipated to begin in June 2026 on a new McDonald’s restaurant at 220 Melbourne Street, South Brisbane, a site on the border between South Brisbane and West End, after planning documents confirmed approval for a fitout to commence.

Read: Voluntary Liquidation Process for Melbourne Street Popular Italian Restaurant

Rumours of the development had been circulating for well over a year, generating discussion across online forums including Reddit and Facebook, where responses were mixed, with some residents expressing opposition and others acknowledging the prospect of local employment.

Construction firm Store Tec has notified nearby residents and businesses of overnight works scheduled between 9pm and 6am from 1 June to 3 July, with most activity expected to wrap up by 1am on working nights.

Community raises questions about local fit

Melbourne Street
Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001

Cr Trina Massey has raised concerns about the approval process. She said the decision to approve the development without community consultation reflected problems in the planning system, and called for greater support for local businesses over corporate expansion.

West End Community Association (WECA) president Seleneah More said residents had been engaged on the issue for more than a year. She pointed to structural factors shaping the Boundary Street corridor, including rising rents, post-COVID underinvestment, shifting consumer trends and long-term vacancies, as contributing to conditions that favour larger operators over smaller, independent businesses.

McDonald’s outlines its commitment to the area

Melbourne Street
3D View of dining area (Photo credit: Brisbane PD Online – A007012001)

McDonald’s Australia has pointed to the economic contribution the development will make to the area. A spokesperson said the new restaurant represents more than $5 million in investment and is expected to generate around 80 jobs during construction and a further 120 ongoing positions once open. The company said the restaurant will be run by a local licensee and pointed to its longstanding presence across Brisbane communities spanning more than 50 years.

The approved fitout, listed on Brisbane’s development portal (application number A007012001), will include a public dining area, self-service kiosks, a McCafe counter, delivery and pick-up zones and an external seating area. Planned works also include upgrades to signage, glazing, awnings and interior finishes.

Overnight construction hours were approved to reduce disruption to traffic and pedestrians on Melbourne Street, with road and footpath closures considered impractical during peak daytime periods.

Read: Great Spots for Organic Food Options at West End

What to expect during construction

Residents and nearby businesses have received letters from Store Tec outlining expected impacts during the construction window, including increased noise, traffic disruptions and temporary access restrictions.

WECA has been active on planning matters in the suburb and has indicated residents will continue to raise concerns.

Published 5-May-2026