ABC ‘dream factory’ in Elsternwick: broadcaster insists on sell-off

THE ABC and the Federal Government are ignoring a fierce campaign to save the ‘dream factory’ site in Elsternwick — insisting that the studios where many of Australia’s most famous TV shows were made has no heritage value.

THE ABC and Federal Government have ignored passionate pleas to save a historic Elsternwick site, stating the studio where many of Australia’s most famous TV shows were made has no heritage value and is not worth protecting.

The ‘dream factory’ site on Gordon St — where hits including Adventure Island, Kath & Kim, The Late Show and Spicks and Specks were filmed — has been put on the market despite a fierce community campaign led by Molly Meldrum to save it from the wrecking ball.

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The site is expected to fetch about $40 million for the ABC.

An independent heritage study commissioned by the council last month stated the site had cultural and heritage significance on “all levels”.

But ABC spokesman Peter Munro said an ABC-commissioned assessment concluded the site “does not demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values”, confirmed through peer review.

He said the ABC had also met its obligations by referring the proposed sale to the Environment Minister.

Russell Fletcher, Cr Mary Delahunty, Jo Stanley and Darren McFarlane were among those to back the campaign. Picture: Josie Hayden

“The Gordon Street site has been empty since 2017 and is no longer fit for purpose,” he said.

“The sale … is part of the ABC’s long-term strategy to integrate all ABC Melbourne operations at our Southbank Centre to maximise efficiency, collaboration and connectivity.”

Despite the likely sale, Cr Mary Delahunty said the fight was far from over.

She moved an urgent council motion last week calling for information on compulsory acquisition options and an investigation into whether the ABC had breached its requirements.

“We see no evidence that the ABC has complied with their obligations,” she said.

“I’m writing directly to the new chair to request a meeting.

“I have also met with members of the local arts community who are considering standing as an independent candidate federally and directing preferences to the party with a commitment to saving this site.”

The council also wrote to Federal Communications Minister Mitch Fifield last month urging him to step in and gift the site to the community for affordable housing and public recreation, but Mr Fifield’s spokesman Guy Creighton said “the minister had no power to intervene”.

“The ABC has legislated independence in operational matters, including property,” he said.

Federal Labor candidate for Macnamara Josh Burns did not commit to saving the site, but said the people in Elsternwick “deserved better than the Liberals rushing to sell this public land to property developers”.

Liberal candidate Kate Ashmor and Glen Eira Council have also been contacted for comment.

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