ABC begins construction on new Southbank premises
Set to be completed in 2017, but work begins at the rear of ABC's Southbank studios.
- Published by David Knox
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Work has commenced on the ABC’s new Melbourne studios project.
Victorian Premier Denis Napthine officially turned the sod at the site at the rear of the present Southbank studios, currently housing  an old car park.
The $176 million project will be five storeys high with about 700 staff, and consolidate studios, news and production facilities for radio, television and online staff from Ripponlea production studios and nearby Selwyn Street administration.
ABC Managing Director Mark Scott said:Â “The commitment of the ABC, the ABC board, to this extensive building in the heart of Melbourne, is part of our commitment to say we will be continuing to tell Australian stories through the next 30, 40 50 years.
“A vital part of telling the Australian story to the Australian nation will take place from here, in Melbourne and Victoria.
“We think we have a remarkable building that will showcase the ABC in the heart of this arts precinct, and will let the work of the ABC be on display for the public to see.”
Construction is expected to be completed in 2017.
Source: ABC
3 Responses
What a shame so much of Australia’s cultural heritage is gone. It won’t be long until there are no original tv studios left in Sydney and Melbourne. TV in Australia has a shocking lack of respect for its past, with much of its history trashed, turned into landfill and destroyed. Very few original programs still exist beyond a few retrospective ‘best of’ specials and associated compile tapes. The original studio complexes have just about been wiped from the map, replaced by housing developments, light industrial, and stock standard office buildings. I’m very glad I worked in TV in the golden age.. when tv channels still produced light entertainment in-house, and shows weren’t copies of American formats.. a time when people, buildings and shows had character. I hope someone is preserving at least some of Australia’s TV heritage.
@jezza the first original one
All of the creative industries and facilities are in city centres. It would be even more inefficient to set up shop far away from them.
I think this is a great idea. However I think they should have found a cheaper location, say Geelong rather than a prime spot of central Melbourne real estate. Not the best use of taxpayers money when it could have been spent in an area that is currently struggling….