State government slammed over handling of Apple flagship store for Fed Square

THE City of Melbourne has no power over Apple’s plans to open a flagship store in Federation Square. But that hasn’t stopped councillors from rubbishing the planning process.

MELBOURNE city councillors have savaged the state government over a “disgraceful process” involving the proposed Apple flagship store at Federation Square.

However, Lord Mayor Sally Capp was unable to debate the issue at a council meeting due to a donation-related conflict of interest.

The Andrews Government supports Fed Square management’s plan to demolish an existing building at the square and allow Apple to put up a new “floating” rectangular structure for the store.

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A recent design render of the proposed Apple flagship store at Federation Square.

New community activist group Citizens for Melbourne is opposed, and the project could be affected by the National Trust’s nomination for the square to be heritage-listed.

The state Planning Department will decide on Apple’s proposal, but has asked the city council to comment on submitted designs.

City of Melbourne councillor Jackie Watts.

Cr Jackie Watts, an ALP member, told a meeting last night that the government’s process had been disgraceful and farcical.

“The lack of consultation, the lack of regard for the heritage of this space … is appalling and the government should be ashamed,” she said.

Cr Nicholas Frances Gilley accused the government of giving away a key public space.

“(It) has handed over the design of the city’s major public space to a commercial body with initially no communication with its residents, workers or visitors,” he said.

Deputy Lord Mayor Arron Wood said the council lacked enough information about the design to be able to comment on it.

“I’ve still got real questions around the design’s relationship to the campus-style set-up,” he said.

Artist image of the rear of the proposed Apple flagship store at Federation Square.

Councillors voted to ask for more information about the plan and some design changes — a move supported by National Trust CEO Simon Ambrose.

“We remain concerned at the lack of community consultation in relation to the proposed Apple store, and would like to see the urgent preparation of a masterplan to guide future changes at Federation Square,” Mr Ambrose said.

Lord mayor Sally Capp had to excuse herself from discussing the issue at the meeting over a conflict of interest related to a donation.

Cr Capp received $1550 from Federation Square chair Deborah Beale for her lord mayoral by-election campaign.

@JMasanauskas