Protesters bite back at Apple's flagship plans for Fed Square

Dozens of protesters have gathered at Federation Square tonight to oppose Apple’s plans to build a flagship store at the Melbourne landmark.

The opponents have told 9NEWS Fed Square is a public space and shouldn’t be commercialised.

“An Apple store would upset the balance of what goes on here,” Tania Davidge from Citizens for Melbourne said.

“It would no longer be civic and cultural, it would be much more about retail and selling Apple products.”

It comes as the 16-year-old landmark undergoes assessment for Heritage Protection, which could derail Apple’s plans to demolish the existing Yarra building.

The state government has said it is currently waiting on any recommendations from Heritage Victoria, while those participating in the rally say they will make the plans a state election issue.

In July, revised plans for the store were unveiled, with the design incorporating a glass rectangular structure, tree-lined paths and an open space for music performances.

Apple’s Josh Loudoun said Federation Square would become the company’s most significant store in the Southern Hemisphere.

“Apple Federation Square will create a destination for the community to gather, a place to shop, to be inspired, to be entertained and educated”, he said.

More than 100,000 people have signed various online petitions to block Apple from building the Federation Square store.

READ MORE: First look at Apple's shiny new Federation Square store

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