Victorians asked for their say on Federation Square’s future, major changes still possible

Apple’s grand concept store plan for Federation Square appears doomed. Now the government has thrown open the site’s future — and they say all options are on the table.

Melburnians have been asked for their say on Federation Square. Picture: AAP Image/Daniel Pockett

Major changes to Federation Square are still possible — including demolishing buildings to open up to the Yarra River — despite lingering anger over an Apple flagship store.

The Andrews Government has thrown open the future of the tourism hotspot to Victorians, asking for ideas on how to encourage better use of the area.

The review comes after community backlash over plans to demolish the Yarra Building on the southern edge of the square, which would have allowed tech giant Apple to build a new store.

Heritage Victoria killed off those plans when it refused a permit that would have paved the way for major changes to the site, and the plans were shelved in April

But Tourism and Major Events Minister Martin Pakula said all options were on the table under the Fed Square review, including building demolition.

“What I would say, quite unashamedly, is I don’t think that the square properly takes the best advantage of the river,” he said.
“We’ve got an iconic waterway just behind us and a great opportunity for people to enjoy the square and the river, but really that’s just one person’s opinion.”

Apple’s controversial plan for a new flagship store at Federation Square appears doomed.

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A review was first flagged in April in response to Heritage Victoria decision.

People can submit their thoughts online or at an information hub set to open in Federation Square next week.

Mr Pakula encouraged Victorians to share their thoughts.

“Federation Square has been a meeting place in the heart of Melbourne for close on two decades and ideas from the public will be essential in ensuring this review makes it an even better place to visit,” he said.

“The community will benefit most from improvements to be made at Federation Square, so we encourage people to take up the opportunity to have their say.”