Apple to open store in Melbourne’s Federation Square

Apple has revealed plans to open a flagship store in Australia in partnership with Federation Square and the Victorian Government.

The store will be located at the mixed-use development in Melbourne, replacing the Yarra building. It will be powered by renewable energy.

Apple Federation Square will create more than 250 construction jobs and at least 200 new roles with Apple.

Construction of the project is set to begin early 2019 and the store will open in 2020.

Apple senior vice-president of retail Angela Ahrendts said: “We’re thrilled to move forward in the planning process for our new home in Melbourne’s Federation Square and would be honoured to call the world-class galleries and museums of Melbourne our neighbours.

“Apple Federation Square respects the original vision for the plaza, with a bespoke design concept and extensive landscaping bringing increased opportunities for the community to enjoy this renowned cultural hub.”

Nearly 500m² of new public space will be created around the store, as well as improving visibility and access to the Yarra River.

The two-storey pavilion Apple Federation Square will feature glass walls and balconies, stone flooring and metal cladding.

The new store is expected to increase the number of visitors to Federation Square by an extra two million people every year.

The project is Apple’s first global flagship store in the southern hemisphere, the second outside the US and the fifth worldwide.

Daily educational programmes such as ‘Today at Apple’, free sessions on photography, music creation, and app development will be held at the store.