Holdfast Training Services Trial Blog

This isn’t a technical blog, but a quick update to share experience of a heritage issue we are currently working through in my construction precinct. One of our three station entrances is to be constructed in an area known as Federation Square within the Melbourne Central Business District (images 1 & 2). Construction work was due to start on 2 September 2018, however, we have just been served with a 60day interim heritage protection notice for Federation Square. The protection notice is the result of an application by the National Trust to the Heritage Victoria Register, in response to the Victorian Government approving plans for the construction of the new flagship Apple store at Federation Square (image 3). The development of the Apple store requires the demolition and relocation of the Yarra Building which currently houses an indigenous people museum and arts centre (image 4). Federation Square was developed in 2002 as a central meeting place for Melburnians where the culture and heritage of the City could be displayed and public events could be held. The previous Melbourne City Square was sold for re-development. If Federation Square is granted heritage status then all current and future construction works, including our station entrance, will require to go through a lengthy permit process to ensure that the design can meet the criteria for constructing in a heritage area. The project is unsure which way the decision will go. There is currently no precedent for heritage status being awarded to such a young structure (16 years). However, the Victorian Heritage Act 2006, does not specifically define how old a place must be and the Heritage Victoria Register will consider any nomination put forward. The issuing of the interim protection notice has initiated talks with our Client (Rail Projects Victoria) to identify which clauses of the contract can be triggered now and what are the time and cost implications if the heritage status is granted. I will keep you updated with how this one turns out.

Image 1 – Aerial view of Federation Square. Proposed new station entrance bottom left and proposed Apple store center right.

Image 2 – Proposed new Metro Tunnel Entrance at Federation Square

Image 3 – Proposed new Apple store. View from Yarra River.

Image 4 – Current street view of Federation Square. Buildings on right of picture to be demolished for Apple store construction.