_H&M IS COMING TO MELBOURNE

Collie is pleased that H&M has been granted a planning permit which enables the well known Swedish clothing company to open its first Australian store in the iconic Melbourne General Post Office (GPO) building.

H&M will occupy the ground, mezzanine and first floor levels of the GPO, taking over the floor space that has been occupied by a range of smaller specialty stores since the building was adapted for retail use in 2004.  The store will have a floor area of almost 5000 square metres, making it one of the largest H&M stores in the world.

Collie provided town planning advice to H&M, and managed the planning permit application process with the City of Melbourne.

The GPO is listed on both the Commonwealth Heritage List and Victorian Heritage Register and is recognised as being one of the most important public buildings in Victoria.  Permits were required and have been obtained from Heritage Victoria.

The approved works include removal of non-original finishes, replacement of the canopy to the Elizabeth Street addition, works associated with the new shop fit out, display of advertising signage and minor works to the facades.  While the use of the building will change quite substantially, the architectural features of the building will remain unchanged.

H&M is expected to open towards the middle of the year.