ABC looks to sell Artarmon studio
Sydney's North Shores look set to lose another chapter of television history.
- Published by David Knox
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- Filed under News
Sydney’s North Shores look set to lose another chapter of television history with reports ABC has announced a proposal to sell its Artarmon studio.
Studio 26 has 700m² of production floor space, scenery runway, production offices, kitchen, parking, art department and wardrobe facilities.
News Corp reports the notice of proposed sale states the site would be sold in its existing state and the organisation would seek leaseback arrangements for a period of time with the new buyer. The Gore Hill site operated from 1956 but after its closure was turned into the ‘Gore Hill Technology Park’ and is now home to an Ausgrid depot and a $238 million ‘data centre’ currently under construction.
Late last year Nine vacated its historic Willoughby Studios for North Sydney. ABC is also yet to announce a buyer for its former Ripponlea studios in Melbourne.
An ABC spokesman said a final decision had not been made on the proposed sale. Public feedback is only open to January 18.
8 Responses
It’s insane some people here want the studios saved or heritage listed. They are literally falling part, with exposed electrical wiring and full of asbestos. There is nothing of architectural or historial value there.
Wiggles was also done here…. if I hear of others I will add.
… once again, there’s nothing “heritage” about Studios 25 & 26 … they are just empty boxes built around 2000 … on the other hand there was considerable effort to try to preserve the real heritage of Gore Hill – Studios 21 & 22 “studios in which memorable moments for thousands, or hundreds of thousands, possibly going into millions of people watching on the TV or involved in production were created” but this was defeated by one word “asbestos” … the result was that the only building to get heritage listing and still stands there (decaying last time I looked) is the eight-storey admin block (where FWIW I had my last office – maybe that’s why it’s considered “heritage”) …
I went for a Dance Academy shoot…. will see if I can find out some other shows made there.
I think this was where they had/have their helicopters serviced and stored. Granted this was over four years ago when i lived nearby and watched them fly in and out.
Its a shame when people sell something of historical value just to make some money.
… there’s nothing of “historical value” in Studio 26 … it’s a comparatively recent concrete shell built alongside the car park in Lanceley Place to replace the Frenchs Forest studios … the real historical value was in the original Studios 21 and 22 which are long gone …
I think you will find that the ABC is just trying to make ends meet and the sale is to make up the funding shortfall from the Federal Government. Why not take it up with your local member if you feel that strongly.