Paramount Australia could be the next broadcaster to reconsider its long-standing presence on Mt Coot-tha, with its premises being assessed as part of a potential move to test the property market.
TV Blackbox understands Savills Brisbane, the commercial property agents handling the sales of Nine and Seven’s Mt Coot-tha sites, visited the Network 10 premises last Wednesday to conduct a walkthrough and assess the property.
While there is no confirmation that the site will be formally listed for sale, the assessment raises the prospect of all three major commercial broadcasters inevitability moving away from the mountain.
The potential move would mark another significant development for Brisbane’s television industry, with Mt Coot-tha having served as a home for the city’s major commercial broadcasters for decades.
Nine and Seven lead the way
Nine was the first of the commercial networks to make a move, confirming in September that it was exploring options for a potential new Queensland headquarters after more than 67 years at Mt Coot-tha.
The network subsequently listed its landmark site at 654 Sir Samuel Griffith Drive for sale through Savills Brisbane, with expressions of interest closing on October 28.
Nine has made clear that testing the market does not guarantee a departure, with any relocation dependent on whether a sale makes financial sense, as TV Blackbox previously reported.
Seven followed in October, putting its own Mt Coot-tha broadcasting site on the market after more than 65 years at the location.
The property, spanning approximately 3.85 hectares across three adjoining titles, includes existing broadcasting infrastructure, offices and studio facilities with the online listing stating that offers close on November 12.
With both neighbouring broadcasters now testing the market, Network 10’s apparent assessment adds another layer to the changing picture atop the mountain.
What would it mean for Network 10?
For Network 10, a potential sale could offer an opportunity to reduce operating costs and reconsider how much space its Brisbane operation actually needs.
With the networks local production largely limited to just news, and no dedicated control room remaining at the site, maintaining a large broadcasting facility could become harder to justify amid rising technology and infrastructure costs.
With both rivals now testing the market, Paramount/Network 10 could capitalise on the opportunity to reassess its property requirements, potentially moving to a smaller, more centrally located office better suited to its current operations.
A move would not necessarily mean an end to Network 10’s Brisbane presence, but could signal a shift towards a smaller, more cost-effective footprint.
A changing future for Mt Coot-tha
For generations, Mt Coot-tha has been synonymous with Brisbane television, with Nine, Seven and Network 10 operating beneath the transmission towers that remain a fixture of the city’s skyline.
The prospect of all three broadcasters reconsidering their presence on the mountain would mark a significant shift for the local television industry, which has already undergone considerable change.
The area is also the subject of broader planning discussions, with Brisbane City Council developing a long-term vision for the Mt Coot-tha precinct focused on ecotourism, improved visitor facilities and new recreational opportunities.
While the future of each broadcaster’s site remains uncertain, Network 10’s property assessment raises the prospect of another broadcaster seriously reconsidering its Mt Coot-tha presence.
TV Blackbox contacted Paramount/Network 10 for comment but they did not respond prior to publication.
