Yahoo Finance Melbourne rejects new Apple flagship store in Fed Square
A City of Melbourne committee has voted to oppose Apple’s plans to build a flagship store at Federation Square.
Apple’s plans involve demolishing the heritage-listed Yarra Building, which has met with public resistance via lobby groups like Citizens For Melbourne.
As well as presenting written submissions and signatures, Citizens For Melbourne’s Michael Smith spoke on behalf of the group Tuesday night at the meeting of the council’s Future Melbourne Committee.
All the councillors present except for one voted against the proposal.
“WHAT A DAY! Thanks to 1100+ submissions, City of Melbourne decides to oppose Federation Square management’s application for demolition permit,” said Citizens For Melbourne on its Facebook page.
While the ultimate decision rests with Heritage Victoria, the land lies within the council’s area so its stance will lend credibility to the activism from lobby groups.
“City of Melbourne doesn’t have legal power to decline the permit but will now fight against it. We are winning this campaign,” said Citizens from Melbourne.
Apple Australia declined to comment to Yahoo Finance.
Apple had previously redesigned its store to make it more palatable to those who thought a big glass shop would not fit in with the Federation Square environment.
But the company has insisted the existing Yarra Building is just not large enough to accommodate their objectives.
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