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The Block pulls out of Daylesford site

Issues around planning are behind producers decision to abandon regional site and pivot to new plans.

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Producers of The Block have pulled the pin on plans to build their 20th season in Daylesford due to permit issues.

Five homes were due to be built from the ground up on a site at 1 Raglan Street Daylesford but the Herald Sun now reports permit issues were behind a decision to pull up stumps. They were due to sit amid a larger development site owned by Hygge Property called ‘Middleton Field’ for which it intends to place more than 60 new homes.

Plans for the proposed site had been approved by the Hepburn Shire earlier this year but were challenged in VCAT and were then referred to the Planning Minister with a request for an accelerated decision.

Architect Julian Brenchley did not confirm the production had abandoned the site, but told The Age The Block had a policy of walking away from sites that became embroiled in tribunal disputes.

“We’ve had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don’t go where we are not welcome,” one production insider said.

“Especially for the 20th series of The Block, which is so important.”

At Nine’s Upfront presentation this past week no location was confirmed, with Scott Cam only referring to “big” plans for a 20th season.

The loss to the Daylesford community will amount to $500,000 in accommodation for crew and prospective employment for locals trades and businesses.

The Block is believed to now be considering a couple of possible locations in inner Melbourne.

“I do think they wouldn’t say they are out of Daylesford without being confident they had somewhere else to go,” a production source said.

To meet its on air target, potentially as mid August 2024, filming for 12 weeks is due to begin from late February.

2 Responses

  1. As someone who doesn’t care for the block. I hope that we don’t have a Block. I don’t need the mental image of Scott Cam’s mid-life crisis with his 50’s biker get up and that mop on his head.

    (Of course, I hope those who would be employed by the show find other work).

  2. No block in 2024 might be a good thing. So the producers can refresh the program. Like read current situation, ie cost of living, interest rates. Stop with all the drama. Add segment like diy jobs. I havent watch since 2019 due to so many episodes, drama.

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