The series producers are believed to be in the throws of finalising the purchase of this stunning 1920s art deco building on Ingles Street in Port Melbourne, just south-west of central Melbourne.
If the reported $5 million deal goes through, the site’s heritage protection will impose significant constraints on renovation options for next season’s ‘blockheads’.
The 1920s building began its life as the administration office for the Symex soap factory.
It has a unique stepped-back entrance, balustrades, tiling and other features that will have the ‘blockinator’ Keith and ‘foreboy’ Dan working overtime to keep the contestants within tough heritage restrictions.
Former owner, property magnate and BRW rich-lister Harry Stamoulis bought the Symex site for $25 million in 2013, just days before it was rezoned for residential development by the former Liberal government under planning changes to the Fishermans Bend precinct.
His company, Stamoulis Property Group, is developing 287 townhouses on the surrounding former factory site opposite the Port Melbourne Cricket Oval. They are scheduled for completion in late 2017.
The 2015 season of the popular TV renovation show saw contestants renovating the shabby Hotel Saville, an iconic if somewhat ugly octagonal building on the corner of Commercial and Punt Roads in Melbourne.
The show paid $6.25 million for the eight-level tower at 5 Commercial Road, near The Alfred hospital.
Dean and Shay Paine’s renovated penthouse later sold for $2.3million, netting them a $655,000 windfall, plus the $100,000 in prize money.
Meanwhile, producers are now calling for new contestants for the 2016 series, which is expected to air later in the year on Nine.
The casting company’s site says couples must be aged between 18-65, “energetic and with a sense of humour”, and be available for a 10-12 week shoot from mid-May. For more information, click here.
