NEWS
Fast food chain outlets are growing in the Valley Mall like topsy – and the trend is one that should be resisted according to long-term local councillor David Hinchliffe.
Several years ago, the central Valley area had no specifically designated fast food chicken outlets. By the end of last year, there were two: Country Chicken under McWhirters on Wickham Street and Nandos in Licorice Lane in the TCB.
In recent weeks Oportos has opened a flash outlet in the mall, and the fitout for the new Red Rooster outlet just a few doors up the mall in the defunct Fortitude Valley bakery building is gathering pace.
The Independent understands that KFC is eager to open a shopfront on the mall, and has looked at the empty Commonwealth Bank site mid mall, although a very limited lease of several years makes that option unattractive. And Hungry Jack’s has been looking at the vacant The Music Shop premises in McWhirters, although a legal stoush with McDonalds might follow any attempt to move there.
Cr Hinchliffe told The Independent this week: “Unfortunately, council doesn’t have any legal power to restrict the type of commercial premises in the Brunswick Street mall. It will be very sad to see the Brunswick Street mall over-run with Hungry Jacks, Red Rooster, KFC and McDonalds.
“These private property owners are looking only for the big bucks and sadly don’t seem to care about the Valley retaining its individual character. I also fear that this tsunami of takeaways will see a spike in rubbish.
“This mall will end up looking like any other mall in Australia. It is a curse and a disease and it seems councils are powerless to prevent it.”
Top: A Red Rooster outlet is coming to the Valley Bakery site.
