According to Apple, the launch of this “global flagship” store is expected to bring an additional 2 million visitors to Federation Square per year, create 250 temporary construction jobs, and also 200 ongoing jobs following the completion of the store. Construction is expected to commence in 2019 and will be ready in 2020, which means that it will still be some time to go before customers will be able to check the store out for themselves.
Apple retail head Angela Ahrendts is quoted as saying, “We’re thrilled to move forward in the planning process for our new home in Melbourne’s Federation Square and will be honoured to call the world-class galleries and museums of Melbourne our neighbours.” Australia’s Minister for Trade and Investment Philip Dalidakis adds, “Apple’s new Australian flagship reinforces Melbourne’s reputation as the undisputed tech capital of Australia and creates hundreds of ongoing jobs in the process.”
It is unclear as to what the store could look like, but based on Apple’s other standalone retail stores, it should be a bit of an architecture marvel.