An artist's impression of the Apple store at Federation Square. Credit:Apple Also strongly opposed to the contentious pre-Christmas approval of the store was Special Minister of State Gavin Jennings – a close ally of Premier Daniel Andrews. The Age understands the contract signed with the Apple Corporation includes an escape clause allowing the parties to abandon the deal. But a backflip looks unlikely despite the strength of public feeling. Mr Wynne's approval bypassed Melbourne City Council, enraging councillors, city planners and architects. The decision to demolish Federation Square's existing Yarra Building and replace it with a purpose-built Apple shop followed a long-running argument within the government.

The view from the planned store's balcony. As minister responsible for the arts, Mr Foley has key stakeholders at Federation Square including the Ian Potter Centre, which houses the National Gallery of Victoria's Australian collection. Both Mr Foley and Mr Wynne are also under challenge from the Greens in their inner-city seats of Albert Park and Richmond. The view of the store and Federation Square from Princes Bridge. Both are acutely aware, in an election year, of the potential political fallout from the perceived commercialisation of a public space like Federation Square.

The Age also understands Aboriginal Affairs Minister Natalie Hutchins opposed the Apple deal but that the death of her husband Steve in late November precluded her from being present when Cabinet finally made its decision. The deal, struck after two years of negotiations, was spruiked within government by Tourism Minister John Eren and Digital Economy Minister Philip Dalidakis. Ultimately it was supported by Premier Andrews and Treasurer Tim Pallas despite repeated warnings of a community backlash. The announcement was made just days before Christmas – a classic manoeuvre by governments conscious of ensuing controversy – by Mr Eren. The Premier, who had been in Carrum the day before promoting a level crossing removal, did not appear at the announcement.

The move was supported by one of Federation Square's original architects, Donald Bates, who has argued the inclusion of an "Apple Global Flagship" store would be "an affirmation of the original intent and aspiration of Fed Square – to be the centre of action in Melbourne". On Thursday, Professor Bates said opponents of the plan missed the point that this was "not just another Apple store". He said it would offer a "retail experience that is not a shopping centre". The proposed store will create nearly 500 square metres of new public space within Federation Square and, the government argues, make it easier for people to move between the Yarra and Birrarung Marr. Well-placed property industry sources said the deal was very lucrative for Federation Square, which has struggled with annual losses.

Despite support from one of the original architects of the square, multiple Labor MPs said the intensity of community response against the announcement had been far greater than expected. Senior government figures were also scathing in anonymous comments to The Age about the deal, slamming the store's design and warning it would cheapen Melbourne's primary civic space. Apple refused offers made by the government to establish in other prime locations, including in Swanston Street next to the Young & Jackson pub, as part of the area's Metro Tunnel rail redevelopment. The deal has riled the city council, the state's partner in the development and funding of Federation Square since the mid-1990s, seriously souring the usual cordial relations between the government and Town Hall. Only Lord Mayor Robert Doyle was briefed about the Apple deal and is understood to have agreed to appear with Mr Eren at the announcement of the deal. He did not appear, having stood aside three days before over sexual harassment allegations made against him.

Multiple Town Hall sources told The Age that no other councillors and key council staff were consulted about the Apple deal and Mr Wynne's approval. Those left out of the loop include the council's planning chairman and former ALP state secretary Nicholas Reece, who is believed to be furious, and celebrated urban design guru Rob Adams. Announcing the Apple deal late last month Mr Eren declared: "Our Christmases have come all at once – Apple have decided to build their global flagship store right here in Melbourne at the famous Fed Square." Three separate online petitions demanding the Andrews government dump the Apple plan quickly emerged, and have now topped 77,000 signatures. The most-signed petition describes the loss of the Yarra building "for the sake of corporate business [as] a perversion of what Federation Square and Melbourne stands for". Since the announcement, senior political, planning and architectural figures have lined up to criticise the deal and the lack of transparency around it, including associations representing architects, planners and landscape designers.

Last week veteran architect and commentator Dimity Reed wrote that the deal amounted to Victoria selling its soul. The government has refused to release any financial details of the deal, instead offering assurances that Victorians will not pay for the new store. Got a tip? Contact us securely on JournoTips