Australia: Apple’s Federation Square retail store faces further delays

New actions by the Australian government agency, Heritage Victoria, may delay or jeopardize Apple’s plans for a store in Federation Square. 

As noted by 9to5Mac, a new document from Heritage Victoria’s executive director has issued an Interim Protection Order on Federation Square for the next four months. The order prevents any development, demolition, relocation, or alterations to buildings within the specified boundaries. Earlier this month, Heritage Victoria announced that it had accepted a nomination for Federation Square to be listed on the Victorian Heritage Register. 

Apple originally planned to open the store ahead of the Christmas trading period in 2020. The project, if every realized, is expected create 250 construction jobs and 200 ongoing jobs.

Apple has three existing Melbourne stores, but they are based in Chadstone, Doncaster and Southland shopping centres. None are in the central city shop like its flagship Sydney locations, one in George Street and the other at Bondi Junction.