An attempt to block the Andrews government’s deal with Apple to build a store in Federation Square has failed in parliament, clearing the way for the contentious retail development.

The Greens sought to disallow planning approval for the new Apple shop, which would require the demolition of the existing Yarra building, currently home to the Koorie Heritage Trust.

But the party was friendless in the upper house on Wednesday, its disallowance motion defeated by 34 votes to four, as Labor, the Coalition and the cross-bench combined to vote it down.

Greens leader Samantha Ratnam (left) listens as Labor's Philip Dalidakis defends the Apple store in Parliament. Credit:Joe Armao

American tech giant Apple and the Andrews government have been in negotiations to build a shop in Federation Square for about two years but kept the talks secret until the project was confirmed five days before Christmas.