Nine’s hit renovation series, The Block was eyeing up historic country town Daylesford as its location to film in 2024. But after some disputes, the program has since abandoned these plans.
The 20th season was expected to return to the countryside to film contestants building luxury homes on previous farmland.
The Block 2023 is located in Hampton East. (Image: Instagram)
However, The Age has reported local residents voiced their objections and the previously approved site by Hepburn Shine were being challenged in VCAT. Which were then referred to the Planning Minister with a request to fast-forward the decision.
“We’ve had so many successful series in so many different locations, but we don’t go where we are not welcome,” a production insider said.
“Especially for the 20th series of The Block, which is so important.”
In May 2023, sources alleged to The Herald Sun the renovation series was moving to Daylesford in Hepburn Springs, Victoria, located over an hour drive outside of Melbourne’s city centre. The wholesome town is known for its natural mineral springs, stunning farmland and forest, and is a tourist hot spot for its Central Highlands.
The 2022 season was located in Gisborne. (Image: Instagram)
The publication also understood Nine was searching for five ¾ acre blocks, from 575 square meters to 703 square meters.
However, The Herald Sun reported that The Block was after a sea change, just 90 minutes from Melbourne.
The Block’s executive producer, Julian Cress announced that the 2024 season would be filmed on Phillip Island.
“The mayor of Phillip Island recently posted we were bringing the show down there. I’m as thrilled as he is,” Julian told TV Tonight.
Although as far as locals, we don’t think the residents on Phillip Island will be overly ecstatic about The Block coming into town.
Phillip Island might be the next filming location for The Block 2024. (Image: Getty)
The town has a population of just over 7000 and might not want to draw more attention to their little town.
Now that Phillip Island is confirmed, this marks 11 years since the show has come to New South Wales.
Yahoo Lifestyle reports that a production source told them the reason for not filming in NSW is due to strict councils and terrible traffic.
It has since been confirmed that despite resident disputes, The Block will be returning to Daylesford again in 2025.
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