Report: Apple in talks to build new $50 million flagship retail store in Melbourne

According to a new report from Australian publication The Age, Apple is eyeing Federation Square in Melbourne for the location of a new flagship retail store in the country.

The report notes that Apple is in negotiations to demolish a current structure in the square described as a “deconstructivist metal building” (pictured above, right). The company plans to replace it with something more Apple-like that will include an all glass facade. That, however, might be a controversial move for some, according to the report, particularly the architecture community as the unique building Apple plans to tear down is somewhat of a landmark and matches the design of adjacent buildings:

Apple has been in lengthy and secretive negotiations with Federation Square’s management and the state government to take over and demolish the Yarra building in the square… Demolishing one of the existing buildings, originally designed by LAB Architecture Studio, is also likely to upset Melbourne’s close-knit architecture community.

The Age adds that the location of the square is a popular gathering place in the community with a “giant screen which can beam live events to thousands of watchers” a big draw for tenants. Here’s a photo:

A new store in Federation Square would be the company’s fourth in Melbourne, but would be its first standalone flagship store. Other stores are located in mall locations, such as the current Chadstone Shopping Centre location and others in Doncaster and Southland. Apple already has twenty two retail locations in total throughout the country.