This article is from the Australian Property Journal archive
APPLE’S controversial plans for a flagship site in Melbourne’s Federation Square may be in jeopardy after Heritage Victoria recommended to include the city site in the Victorian Heritage Register.
The recommendation will now be considered by the Heritage Council of Victoria, which will make the final decision following a 60-day public consultation process.
Being added to the Register would not necessarily preclude Federation Square from any future developments, including the Apple store, although it would provide a more solid frame of reference for weighing up any proposed changes.
Approval of the Apple store had appeared to be ushered through the Victorian government’s planning controls and guidelines that reportedly created tensions between state ministers, and underwent a design overhaul following initial blowback from the public.
The initial design had been dubbed the “Pizza Hut pagoda”, while the current plans include an elevated rectangular glass structure that echoes the white box packaging synonymous with Apple’s products.
It has been touted to create 500 sqm of new public space and improve access between the Square and the Yarra River, while the state government said it would attract an extra two million visitors to the Square every year, as well as create 250 construction jobs and another 200 ongoing positions.
Apple has said the building would be powered entirely by renewable energy.
Federation Square’s lead architect, Donald Bates and Victorian government architect Jill Garner were involved in the planning for the project.
It would take the place of the Koorie Heritage Trust building, with the Trust itself to be moved to within another part of the precinct.
Heritage Victoria has indicated the Federation Square meets six out of eight eligible criteria to be recognised at a state level.
Simon Ambrose, chief executive of the National Trust of Australia (Victoria) said it was delighted that Heritage Victoria supported its view that Federation Square is a place of significance to all Victorians.
“Whilst it is only 16 years old, Federation Square is Victoria’s premier civic space and considered a place of historical, cultural and social significance to our state, and an architectural and engineering marvel,” he said. “The National Trust is not opposed to development at Federation Square, provided that any proposed changes are appropriate within the architectural and cultural context of the site.”
Australian Property Journal
