Emma Thompson joins fight against Zurich's controversial McDonald's plan
Opposition to Zurich McDonald's Grows as Hollywood Star Joins the Fight
Plans for a new McDonald's outlet on Zurich's Limmatquai have sparked fierce criticism—so much so that even Oscar-winning actress Emma Thompson has signed a petition against it.
In an email obtained by the newspaper, the British star pulled no punches, calling the proposal an "act of self-harm" and urging those responsible to "go back to the drawing board." Thompson, who stayed at Zurich's Hotel Storchen last year, praised the "centuries-old, unchanged view" of the Old Town she enjoyed during her visit.
The campaign against the fast-food chain's expansion in the heart of Zurich has gained high-profile momentum. As reported by the Tages-Anzeiger, Thompson is the latest prominent figure to lend her support to the opposition.
The proposed McDonald's is slated for Limmatquai 48, a property owned by Swiss Life, which has already signed a lease with the company. But local resistance is mounting. A residents' association has come out strongly against the project, citing concerns over noise, waste, and the impact on the historic cityscape.
Critics have taken particular issue with the planned operating hours. "Staying open until 5 a.m. will cause major noise disturbances and violate legal quiet hours," opponents argue. They also warn of potential alterations to the protected building, as well as increased litter, higher energy consumption, and additional traffic.
Launched on March 5, the petition has already gathered around 1,600 signatures, with organizers aiming for 2,000. Thompson's involvement has now given the movement a high-profile boost.
The final decision rests with the authorities, as all parties await a ruling from Zurich's cantonal construction appeals court. But the residents' group is prepared to take the fight further. "If we don't win, we'll escalate the case to the administrative court—and to the Federal Supreme Court if necessary," said Simon Staub, a spokesperson for the association, assuming the group can secure the necessary funding.
McDonald's, for its part, has dismissed the criticism. In a statement to the Tages-Anzeiger, the company insisted the project has been tailored to the location and that all required permits have been obtained from the relevant authorities.
