Heritage Victoria rejects application to build Apple store in Federation Square

After months of headaches and delays, the controversial plans for an Apple store in Federation Square are dead in the water. Here’s why.

Controversial plans for an Apple store in Federation Square are dead in the water after Heritage Victoria refused to grant a permit to redevelop the site.

The tech giant’s proposed flagship store — which would be the only one in the Southern Hemisphere — has caused ongoing headaches for the government since it was put on the agenda at the end of 2017.

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But Heritage Victoria today rejected an application for Federation Square’s Yarra Building to be demolished and replaced with the Apple store.

“If the application were approved, and the Yarra Building demolished and replaced with the proposed building, it would result in an unacceptable and irreversible detrimental impact on the cultural heritage significance of Federation Square,” the decision said.

An artist’s impression of the proposed Apple store. Picture: Supplied

In a statement, the Andrews Government said it and Apple acknowledged the proposed store “cannot proceed”.

But with major works already planned to Federation Square as part of the Metro Tunnel project, the government announced Victorian Government Architect Jill Garner and former Ernst and Young managing partner Tim Eddy would spearhead a review into the square.

“The review will examine how Federation Square looks, how it’s funded and how it operates so that it continues to stand out as an iconic Melbourne attraction that is enjoyed by not only Melburnians but people from all over the world,” Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said.

Creative Industries Minister Martin Foley said the Heritage Victoria decision “gives us an opportunity to listen to people’s views about this important part of Melbourne.”

“Between the Metro Tunnel, ACMI’s visionary redevelopment, our transformation of the Melbourne Arts Precinct and this review of Federation Square, we have a fantastic opportunity to consider how our public spaces and creative centres connect to each other,” he said.

Heritage Victoria said the Apple store would be “visually dominant”, detracting from the design of the square and encroaching into public space.

“The negative impacts of the proposal are not outweighed by the benefits, including the economic benefits,” its decision said.

Apple said in a statement: ““While we are disappointed we’re no longer able to pursue our plan for Federation Square, we remain committed to serving our customers in Melbourne and across Australia.”

Heritage Victoria rejected the development application: Picture: Daniel Pockett (AAP)

A Federation Square spokeswoman welcomed the government’s review and said there were “a number of interesting projects in the pipeline that we are confident will excite Victorians in the near future”.

“Whilst we believe our proposal represented a positive step in a pathway to a sustainable future for Federation Square, the Apple project was certainly not the only consideration in planning for the future of this iconic precinct,” she said.

Lord Mayor Sally Capp said the store was an “exciting concept” and the decision was disappointing.

“We will work with the Victorian Government and Fed Square to make the most of its public spaces and Yarra River frontage while activating the retail and public spaces that make this space so important for our city. We will also ensure that community views are key to any new plans,” she said.

The National Trust of Australia’s Victorian chief Simon Ambrose welcomed the decision to ensure the square’s “heritage values will be recognised and protected in any future development process”.

“The National Trust’s nomination of Federation Square to the Victorian Heritage Register has provided a vital opportunity to reflect on its cultural and architectural significance to the state,” he said.

“We are proud that our actions will ensure that Federation Square is protected for future generations.”

“We do not oppose commercial activation and development at Federation Square which respects its cultural and architectural significance, however the proposal fell far short of meeting these aims.”

Melbourne Greens MP Ellen Sandell said the decision was “a huge win for everyone who stood up for preserving public space over big corporate interests”.

“Dan Andrews and the Labor Government should go back to the drawing board and find a more appropriate place for an Apple store,” Ms Sandell said.

Opposition planning spokesman Tim Smith said Heritage Victoria had moved quickly to protect Federation Square.

But he accused them of often going “missing in action when it comes to protecting heritage homes in established and middle ring suburbs”.

He said the government’s failed deal with Apple “damages Victoria’s reputation as a place to do business”.

“After years of negotiations, often in secret with one of the world’s biggest companies and iconic brands, Apple, Daniel Andrews has been forced into a cringe worthy climb-down because his ministers responsible have not done their due diligence in regards to the design and heritage impacts of demolishing the Yarra Building,” Mr Smith said.

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