I constantly hear this argument, but no matter how I approach it, it always feels like a massive stretch to compare a small retail store selling foods, snacks, drinks and public transport passes (which itself is a public service) to a large, multi-level consumer electronics retailer selling phones and laptops that would involve demolishing an entire existing building to fit.
They're both commercial businesses, but worlds apart in the service they offer to the community. After all, it stands to reason that someone passing through Fed Square may want to recharge their public transport pass, or grab a snack. It offers a service to the members of the public already using the square.
There's no reason someone casually passing through Fed Square would suddenly need a new phone, or tablet, or computer so quickly that they couldn't wander a few blocks over to a store placed within a dedicated dense-commercial zoned district. That's the problem. The Apple Store doesn't need to be there. It could be anywhere else. Apple wants it there because it serves well for their brand image.
But Apple's brand image shouldn't take precedence over the wishes of the people of Melbourne on how their public space is used. The people should be allowed to formally have a say in the matter, and from what I understand both the Andrews government and Apple have so far denied them their right to do so.
Hopefully Fed Square receives permanent heritage protection status, if only to enforce due process and consultation on what should and shouldn't be constructed there.
But @first-to-tea explained it better than I ever could, so anyone unaware of the situation should have a read of their post above.
Frankly, all first-to-tea's points are moot. As somebody that only joined when this article was posted and whose only posts have been about this specific subject they are clearly part of the campaign and have come with a specific axe to grind. Almost all the posts on this thread (many of which were removed by mods) are not impressed with Federation Square's use and aesthetics and have been broadly supportive of Apple.
As usual with these sorts of things it's a vocal minority who end up wagging the dog.