New push for part of Fed Square to be demolished for Apple store
Management of Melbourne's Federation Square want permission to knock down part of a building at the precinct - making way for an Apple store - as part of a heritage listing.
The group has applied for a heritage permit to demolish the Yarra Building, above the basement, to pave the way for the tech giant's planned flagship store.
In a 124-page heritage impact statement, it states the building is not of the same design standard as others in the square but significant internal elements would remain.
"While the National Trust does not oppose commercial activation at Federation Square, future development should not be at the expense of the unnecessary destruction of the Yarra Building," the National Trust's Victorian chief Simon Ambrose said on Wednesday as the square is considered for addition to the state's heritage register.
"The National Trust has concerns that this proposal is being rushed through before the heritage registration is resolved and ahead of preparing a masterplan or conservation management plan to guide change."
Heritage Victoria executive director Steven Avery recommended last October for the public space to be protected due to its "historical, architectural, aesthetic, cultural and technical significance to the state".
Apple's plans for its flagship store - one of only five in the world - had been approved by Premier Daniel Andrews in 2017, but public opposition has been vehement.
Heritage Council of Victoria is assessing whether to add Federation Square to the state's heritage register, with community hearings listed for April.
Heritage Victoria says if included it would not prevent future use or development but a heritage permit would be needed, which may include conditions to design change.
AAP