Fight to save The Dream Factory gathers momemtum
THE STUDIO where Countdown, Kath & Kim and other iconic Australian shows were filmed could be saved from the wrecking ball, with Glen Eira councillors unanimously calling for the Elsternwick site to be heritage-protected.
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THE STUDIO where iconic Australian shows including Countdown and Kath & Kim were filmed could be saved from the wrecking ball, with Glen Eira councillors unanimously calling for the Elsternwick site to be heritage-protected.
Studio 31 — dubbed The Dream Factory — is where Australian television cut its teeth and recorded trailblazing hits including Countdown, Adventure Island, Kath & Kim, The Late Show, and Spicks and Specks.
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The venue was set to be sold off to developers earlier this year, after the ABC relocated to Southbank and the Federal Government sought valuations on the site.
But Molly Meldrum joined a chorus of presenters, writers, musicians and comedians in a Leader campaign in April to save the iconic building.
A heritage assessment report, tabled to the council, has now confirmed its “cultural significance at national, state and local level for a range of historical, architectural, cultural, social and technological reasons”.
“Contributing to the site’s significance is its role as the first purpose-built television studio in Victoria and the earliest extant television studio in Victoria,” it read.
Councillors will tonight vote to seek an interim heritage overlay from the minister while it applies for the site to be added to the Victorian Heritage Register.
Meldrum previously told the Leader the site must be saved, with Prince Charles, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Elton John and David Bowie among the stars to walk the halls.
“There’s a song called Do You Believe In Magic, and this place was that magic,” Meldrum said.
“You just close your eyes in that foyer and think, my god, the memories.
“It’s sad enough that it’s shut but if it’s pulled down, it’s gone for good. That sort of thing can’t ever be replaced.”
Cr Mary Delahunty has led the fight from the start, writing to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull to secure it for community use.
She said she was looking forward to the beloved Gordon St studio being protected.
“I’m incredibly pleased the heritage assessment echoes the commentary of most Australians,” she said.
“This was a special place culturally, it meant a significant amount to the arts community and it is deserving of protection.
“I hope we can now have a productive conversation with the ABC and others about creating a community arts space here.”
The Federal Government referred questions to the ABC, which declined to comment.
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