ABC Ripponlea: Molly Meldrum joins fight to save the Studio 31 ‘Dream Factory’ from demolition

THE ABC ‘Dream Factory’ studio in Elsternwick was a cornerstone of Australian television, where magic was made, history recorded, and it all beamed into a million living rooms — and now it faces the wrecking ball.

Molly Meldrum’s famous 1977 interview with Prince Charles on the Studio 31 set.

The countdown is on to save a priceless piece of Melbourne’s culture where “magic was made” and history recorded.

Molly Meldrum, who once stood among 10,000 protesters fighting to stop the ABC studios in Elsternwick ever being built, is now part of a chorus of presenters, writers, musicians and comedians banding together to save the “ugly duckling” from pending demolition.

Daryl Braithwaite, Brian Nankervis, Jo Stanley, David Hobson and many others have thrown their weight behind the campaign, imploring the Federal Government to gift all or part of Studio 31 to the community and have it listed for heritage protection.

Inside the historic Gordon St building dubbed “The Dream Factory”, Australian television cut its teeth and evolved into what it is today.

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Since its opening in 1956, up-and-coming stars worked together to produce and record trailblazing hits including Countdown, Adventure Island, 60s soapie Bellbird, Kath & Kim, The Late Show, Seachange, and Spicks and Specks.

Gina Riley and Jane Turner film a scene from Kath and Kim.

Shaun Micallef’s Mad as Hell was the last show ever shot there.

It all began when the ABC bought a slice of land at the back of Rippon Lea Estate from owner Louisa Jones in the early 1950s.

In 1963, the government acquired a further four acres to extend the studio.

A mass of 10,000 residents protested against further development and Mrs Jones fought the order in the high court.

She lost and the studio was extended and quickly became a melting pot of creativity and inspiration.

“There’s a song called Do You Believe In Magic, and this place was that magic,” Meldrum told the Leader.

“The irony of it is, way back when, I was actually a young protester fighting against this. Little did I know it would become my second home.”

The Aussie legend known for his music knowledge and stetson hat hosted Countdown at 6.30pm every night for 11 years, after first appearing on-air in 1975.

Molly hosts Elton John on Countdown in 1984. Picture: ABC

Meldrum said he was never a star — “just part of the team and part of the whole building”.

“The way the staff and engineers and cameramen worked together as a team, they built an iconic place,” the music guru 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.”

Prince Charles, Madonna, Rod Stewart, Elton John and David Bowie were just a few other stars to walk the halls, with former Prime Minister Robert Menzies known to have a scotch before staring down the lens at the studio.

Hugh Jackman even met wife Deborra-lee Furness there while working on Corelli.

Nankervis told the Leader the space was too culturally important to lose, despite its dusty interior and old-fashioned facade.

Entertainers and writers David Hobson, Brendan Luno, Russell Fletcher, Mary Delahunty, Jo Stanley, Darren McFarlane and Brian Nankervis have joined Glen Eira councillor Mary Delahunty (centre) to fight to save the studios. Picture: Josie Hayden

“I would often do warm ups here for Lano and Woodley and other shows and always felt a fondness towards the space,” he said.

“It was so romantic and iconic, so it would be nice if it wasn’t only protected for historical records, but if it became an arts space for the (up-and-coming generation).”

Opera star David Hobson said it had connected Victoria’s art scene to the rest of the country and Elsternwick’s Jo Stanley agreed the studios meant too much to past and future generations to lose.

“I grew up watching shows shot at Studio 31 and it would be a tragedy to lose it,” the radio personality said.

“Things like this with such a high density of artists just don’t come along in other parts of the city.”

Glen Eira councillor Mary Delahunty is now gathering community support through an online petition.

She said the government must consider public good before profit.

“When you went into Studio 31, you felt this great sense of what had gone on there,” Cr Delahunty said.

“Every single person in the country has fond memories of it, whether you performed on stage, made art here, or watched it in your loungeroom on TV.”

Olivia Newton-John danced into Aussie living rooms via this Countdown appearance in 1980.

Studio 31 officially closed in November last year when ABC relocated to Southbank.

The Federal Government is currently seeking valuations on the site, with it expected to be sold off to developers in coming months.

Melbourne Ports federal Labor MP Michael Danby said the idea to instead turn it into an arts hub and “site of significance” had merit.

“Sinclair St behind the classic cinema would be joined to this new precinct … and it is important to consider community uses rather than simply selling to the highest bidder,” Mr Danby said.

Cr Delahunty this week wrote to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on behalf of the supporters, “begging him” to not sell the city’s culture.

The council is also advocating for the car park to be turned into open space.

“This place has been a magnet for creative people and we wouldn’t have this eclectic mix of people living in Elsternwick without it,” Cr Delahunty said.

“If it was gifted to a community cooperative, it would provide the only affordable soundproof stage for people to use.

“It’s an opportunity that won’t present itself again.”

The Federal Government did not respond to the Leader’s request for comment before deadline.

Click here to sign the petition.