The Block set for Elsternwick building from scratch in 2017 series
A $9.4 million Elsternwick building block with permission for five homes looks set to be the location for this year’s series of The Block.
Its been the backup option given the rundown Gatwick Private Hotel, St Kilda offering has proved difficult to secure.
The vacant block which was the Regent Lodge hostel in Elsternwick is not far from the historic Ripponlea homestead.
The 46 Regent Street property was reportedly purchased mid December by a company linked to Channel 9, with Nine CEO Hugh Marks listed as one of the directors.
The company has since had plans for a five lot subdivision approved this week by Glen Eira City Council.
Workmen moved on to the site on Friday with fencing erected, according to the Herald Sun.
The from scratch project will be a departure for the renovation program
The paper said several of the tradesmen on site were wearing fluoro vests branded with the name of a company that specialises in relocating homes.
The Block has previously worked renovation magic in Richmond, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Albert Park, Prahran and most recently Port Melbourne.
Filming is tipped to get underway on the new series late next month with the show typically airing from August.
Several years ago Kate Ceberano and Gina Riley have won a five-year development dispute preventing a private boys' school opening a campus on the block.
The Yesodei HaTorah College wanted 46 Regent Street to be a three storey, 325-student campus. They paid $3 million in 2006 selling at $4.75 million in 2010.
At a council meeting in 2010, Ceberano argued the proposed school would ruin the neighbourly atmosphere of Elsternwick.
Another local celebrity mum, comedian Gina Riley – famous for Kath And Kim – opposed the development on the basis of traffic and parking.
Several other schools, including Caulfield Grammar Senior School, are in or around Regent Street.
Meanwhile The Gatwick could still be a location for future series of the show, should a sale go through.
The property remains on the market with residents having been given four months to find alternative accommodation.
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