Gatwick Hotel’s makeover revealed after The Block makeover

THE Block’s multimillion-dollar makeover of the former fleabag flophouse, The Gatwick Hotel, has been revealed with hoardings removed from the St Kilda property this weekend. SEE THE PICTURES

The Gatwick Hotel is set to undergo a radical transformation. Picture: Ian Currie

THE Block’s multimillion-dollar makeover of the former fleabag flophouse, The Gatwick Hotel, has been revealed with hoardings removed from the St Kilda property on Saturday.

While its historic facade has been preserved along with its marbled original entrance foyer, the rest of the controversial Fitzroy St property has had more of a complete remake rather than a renovation.

The former rooming house, which for years was a cesspit of crime, poverty and misfortune until purchased by The Block, has been a hive activity for the past three months with TV contestants and more than 100 expert tradies transforming the property into luxury apartments.

THE BLOCK’S NEW CONTESTANTS REVEALED

EX-HOTEL OWNERS FIRE FINAL PARTING SHOT

Hoardings have finally been removed from the former flophouse. Picture: Ian Currie

The original building has been reimagined as a luxury development. Picture: Ian Currie

Work is still under way at the property although the contestants’ apartments are believed to have been all but completed.

Plans submitted to the Port Phillip City Council last year outlined the vision of The Block for the Gatwick.

The original three-storey, 66-room private hotel has been reimagined as a four-storey, eight apartment, luxury development.

Six of the apartments on the approved plans have three bedrooms, while two proposed ground-floor apartments — which appear to have yet to be completed — have two bedrooms.

The hotel was a notorious flophouse for years. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

Inside The Gatwick before it was gutted. Picture: Kylie Else

BLOCK PRODUCERS FORCED TO CLEAN UP AFTER JUNKIES

An impressive modern fourth floor, now clearly visible from the street, has been built on top of the existing building creating penthouse-style abodes.

Heritage features such as doors, staircases, timber skirtings and architraves have been rescued and reused, with a new entrance constructed via Loch St.

While Channel 9 is yet to confirm details, it is understood six teams are taking part in the 2018 edition of The Block including former netball champion Bianca Chatfield.

The Block is expected to hit screens around August.

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