TV show The Block eyes off St Kilda’s notorious Gatwick Hotel

EXCLUSIVE: CREATORS of hit TV show The Block are in final negotiations to purchase a notorious Melbourne property, which would be its largest undertaking in 13 seasons.

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ST KILDA’S notorious Gatwick Hotel is expected to go from hotel hobo to luxury apartments, with creators of hit TV show The Block in final negotiations to purchase the property on Friday night.

The Herald Sun understands a deal between the show and owners of the building has been struck in principle and paperwork lodged with lawyers to be signed off.

It would be the show’s largest undertaking in its 13 seasons and has the biggest price tag — an estimated $15 million.

Creators of TV show The Block are in final negotiations to purchase St Kilda’s Gatwick Hotel. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Inside St Kilda’s Gatwick Hotel. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

Inside St Kilda’s Gatwick Hotel. Picture Yuri Kouzmin

The Herald Sun can reveal Victoria Police and the City of Port Phillip had made several approaches to producers and Channel 9 over recent months begging for the property to be bought amid growing community angst about the Gatwick.

However, the deal could spark a row over the displacement of 100 vulnerable tenants.

The show’s producers said on Friday that they would work with the flop house’s owners, sisters Yvette Kelly and Rose Banks, to move the residents, including some long-term guests who need assistance and appropriate accommodation.

Residents and traders have long complained about the behaviour of Gatwick residents, who have been blamed for crime, drugs and anti-social behaviour plaguing Fitzroy St and St Kilda.

A man is seen passing a TV/monitor to a resident inside the Gatwick Hotel. Picture: Christopher Chan

Inside St Kilda’s Gatwick Hotel. Picture: Yuri Kouzmin

The Block’s Scott Cam may be filming The Block at St Kilda’s notorious Gatwick Hotel. Picture: Channel Nine

Channel 9 was on Friday night silent about the purchase, but high-level sources confirmed to the Herald Sun that legal papers had been drawn up and the deal was all but rubber-stamped.

Amateur renovators turned reality TV stars would now have the opportunity to bring back life to the building and reinvigorate the seedy pocket of Fitzroy St, which is lined with bars and restaurants.

The Gatwick has a heritage overlay on the property.

While the exterior would be restored to its former glory, the interior is expected to be gutted, with some key features remaining for nostalgia and respect.

A double room inside the Gatwick Hotel.

A Gatwick Hotel bathroom.

Inside St Kilda’s Gatwick Hotel.

Even the Gatwick plaque on the front of the building will remain.

The property was listed for sale for about a year before it was taken off the market in October, in a move that angered police and the community.

But secret talks between the makers of The Block and Gatwick owners resumed with a deal being struck after two months of discussions.

“It’s a beautiful looking building and it will be respected,” a source close to the show said.

“It has a rich history and was once a valuable asset to the community.”

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