The Block’s grand plans for a Phillip Island takeover gets the green light
After the drama of a false start in Daylesford, The Block is now in ‘go mode’ and work has already started on turning a former seaside resort on Phillip Island into a luxury five home estate.
Fiona Byrne
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After a false start in Daylesford and a surprise relocation to one of the jewels in Victoria’s tourism crown, The Block can finally get down to the real drama of creating dream homes for its all important 20th season on Phillip Island.
The hit show has been given the green light to forge ahead with plans to turn a seaside holiday resort into an alcove of five luxury homes.
Bass Coast Shire Council this week gave the permit application from The Block team for the site on Justice Rd at Cowes on Phillip Island the tick of approval.
No time has been wasted, work has already begun on the property which was formerly known as Island Cove Villas.
Channel 9, via its usual Block property vehicle Micjoy Pty Ltd, paid $8.8m for the site, which had been marketed with an asking price of $9.5m.
The show had originally planned to set its historic 20th season in the central Victorian tourist hotspot of Daylesford.
However, uncertainty about getting a permit and push back from a handful of locals saw plans shelved and the show dramatically move to its Phillip Island location in September.
There is a genuine rush now for the producers to have the island site ready for filming which, based on previous series of the show, is likely to get underway in March.
The show will once again be hosted by Scott Cam and Shelley Craft.
The plans for the five ‘Block’ homes proposed for the property were submitted to the Bass Coast Shire Council on October 17.
Bass Coast Shire Council Mayor Cr Clare Le Serve said she was delighted the show had chosen Phillip Island as its location for its new season.
“We are looking forward to hosting The Block and showcasing the desirability of Bass Coast to live in, holiday and do business,’’ Cr Le Serve said.
“From the world-famous Penguin Parade, beautiful beaches and amazing hospitality, this is fantastic news and we’re proud to have been chosen by the producers.
“It’s also great news for local businesses providing materials, local workers looking for work and food and accommodation providers who will look after the large production crew that work on the show for many months.’’
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