Apple has ditched their plan for a retail store in Federation Square after heritage authorities denied the company an application to demolish part of the square.
Apple store plans shelved after heritage authorities say ‘no’ https://t.co/y633fBIt7f
— The Age (@theage) April 5, 2019
According to The Age, Apple informed the Victorian Government that they would not be proceeding with the plan. It is not immediately clear whether this is a permanent decision.
The Apple Store project has been controversial among heritage authorities and activists since it was announced in 2017. The “global flagship” store was set to replace the Yarra Building and surrounding areas, and activists were concerned it represented a private, corporate use of public space.
In response to these concerns, Apple said that their development would extend existing access to the Yarra River, and maintain public utility by offering free multimedia and production classes. Such classes are available at all Apple Store locations.
