ABC Melbourne: Bold housing plan for Elsternwick Dream Factory site
THE FORMER ABC studio in Elsternwick where Australian television cut its teeth could be transformed into a budget housing and community hub, under a bold council plea.
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THE FORMER ABC studio in Elsternwick where Australian television cut its teeth could be transformed into a budget housing and community hub, under a bold council plea.
Glen Eira Council is pleading with the Federal Government to gift the entire former ABC Studio 31 on Gordon St to the public, after the council’s request for a portion of open space fell through.
FIGHT TO SAVE DREAM FACTORY GAINS MOMENTUM
The Dream Factory is where trailblazing hit shows such as Countdown, Adventure Island, Kath & Kim, The Late Show, and Spicks and Specks were filmed.
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.
Butr an independent heritage review commissioned by the council confirmed the site was of “national, state and local cultural heritage significance” and should be saved.
In a letter sent to Communications and Arts Minister Mitch Fifield this week, mayor Tony Athanasopoulos said “this obligation has been ignored” by the Government.
The letter calls for part of the site to be dedicated to affordable housing, public recreation, and memorialising its cultural significance.
The council also requested that “the entirety of the site remains as the asset of the public” and historical elements are protected and enhanced, including Victoria’s only soundproof stage.
“Australians are at risk of losing this rich part of the nation’s cultural history through the ABC’s impending sale of the property,” Cr Athanasopoulos said.
“It would be a travesty if the government allowed the site to be sold when the opportunity so clearly exists for this land to continue to play an important role developing the arts and creative industries in Melbourne.”
Molly Meldrum joined a chorus of presenters, writers, musicians and comedians in a Leader campaign in April to save the building.
Cr Mary Delahunty, who has been integral in saving the site, said they’d also be sending the letter to the Macnamara candidates and all relevant Federal politicians.
“We would be keen to explore a number of uses for the site, our primary priority is that it remains in public hands,” she said.
“This would be a great site for a mix of public uses and given the lack of affordable housing in Elsternwick it makes sense we would consider low-range affordable housing as a part of this.”
The Government has been contacted for comment.
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