Channel 9’s long-running reality TV show, The Block, has reportedly abruptly cancelled its plans to film its 20th season in Daylesford, Victoria.
The Herald-Sun reports a last-minute shift in location is now underway, with only five months left before the slated start of production.
The relocation comes after a series of delays and obstacles in obtaining a planning permit for the intended site at 1 Raglan Street. Additionally, a small faction of local residents raised objections, further complicating the approval process.
As one production insider revealed to the Herald Sun,
“We’ve had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don’t go where we are not welcome.”
Originally, the Hepburn Shire had granted preliminary approval for the Daylesford project. However, complications arose when the matter was taken to VCAT and eventually escalated to the Planning Minister for an expedited decision.
Scott Cam, host of The Block, previously hinted at these logistical setbacks in a conversation with the Sunday Herald Sun during the Logie Awards in July.
“It (the Daylesford location) has not been finalised yet. It is a bit of a problem because it has not been finalised yet and we are running out of time.
As always, there are always council issues, so we have got some of those and we are working on them very hard.”
Plans were set for the construction of five luxury homes that were intended to be carbon-neutral and fossil-fuel free. The visionary behind the architecture was none other than Julian Brenchley’s Group Architects, a regular collaborator with the show.
The fallout from the change in plans is significant. Over $500,000 in accommodation bookings for the cast and crew have been terminated, marking a notable financial loss for the local community.
Local trades and businesses also face the loss of potential employment opportunities, an impact not to be understated given The Block’s reputation for financially invigorating its filming locations.
More than nine months of planning and groundwork went into the Daylesford site. Now, all that effort is redirected as the search for a new location commences. Inner Melbourne is reportedly under consideration as the team scours for a new filming site.
Despite the challenges, casting is already in progress for the upcoming season. Prospective contestants have been informed that they should be available for a 12-week filming schedule starting late February 2024. As of now, the specific location remains uncertain.
The 20th season of The Block was formally announced at Channel 9’s Upfront 2024 programming reveal in Sydney this past Wednesday, although no location was specified.
SOURCE: Herald Sun
