July 18th, 2024The Block finally coming to Daylesford
The Block is heading to Daylesford next year. Executive producer Julian Cress confirmed the Raglan Street site in a statement reported on by 9Entertainment last week.
“It’s a very exciting place for us to bring The Block to Daylesford,” he said. “It’s been a destination for Australian and international tourists for a century now, and it has really cemented itself as one of the top weekend destinations in the country.”
Mr Cress said the destination was originally intended for the 2024 season. “We put nine months of hard work into [Daylesford] before we had to pivot to Phillip Island,” he said.
“But Phillip Island has taught us that taking the show to a place which is a holiday destination is great for The Block, and we hope it will be great for Daylesford as well. The fact that it was still an option seemed a no-brainer.”
Mr Cress said he had been spending time with the Daylesford community. “I think they are really excited for us to bring the show there next year. We think it will be a wonderful opportunity for Daylesford and for the community as a whole.
“We also try to film much of our show focusing on the local community and whether that be renovating a community project, or just being able to showcase great local artisans and businesses, is something that is a real hallmark for The Block.
“We want to make The Block not just about the properties in Raglan Street, but about the whole town. We work incredibly hard to make sure our houses are built with the best possible environmentally sound modern practices available.
“We are always looking at sustainability and environmental concerns, we are not just throwing up project houses, we are trying to build houses of the future.”
Hepburn Shire Council Mayor Cr Brian Hood said the council originally approved the five-dwelling development by developer Hygge at the October 2023 meeting, with a significant number of conditions, including the retention and protection of all Avenue of Honour trees.
“This decision was appealed at VCAT by residents, after which the Minister for Planning issued a permit allowing the development,” Cr Hood said.
“The Minister’s permit includes a number of requirements around landscaping, construction, stormwater and environmentally sustainable design.
“Daylesford will provide a picturesque backdrop for the filming of The Block, and it is anticipated that the production will generate a boost for the local economy.
“We would strongly encourage (the) producers, contestants and the support crew to shop and eat local to ensure economic benefits flow back into our community.”
A media release from Hygge Property said the 2025 Block homes were in its Middleton Field neighbourhood. “(The) five new highly sustainable pavilion-style homes are to be built along Raglan Street at the eastern entry to the town, as part of its popular TV series.
“The land forms part a new carbon-neutral neighbourhood in Daylesford known as ‘Middleton Field’.”
The release says following a meeting with Mr Cress, organised by Belle Property Daylesford in 2022, detailed plans evolved alongside The Block team for the new homes embracing modern architecture considerate to Daylesford’s landscape and aligned with the design guidelines for the wider neighbourhood.
“Hygge eventually sold the five 2400sqm lots to Channel 9 earlier this year through agents Ashlee McKee and Natalie Fagan from Belle Property, Daylesford,” the release says.
“Importantly, the larger architecturally designed homes to be delivered by The Block next year will round out the Middleton Field neighbourhood framing the eastern entry to town.
“Since Hygge first started planning a new community in Daylesford, locals and the municipality were clear around a desire to see a range of sustainable housing options within its popular lifestyle town – recently nominated as one of Victoria’s ‘most walkable towns’ by global platform World Atlas.
“The neighbourhood already includes a series of 31 small footprint, stylish eco- townhouses designed by highly regarded, sustainable architect Breathe – now selling off-the-plan as ‘The Village’.”
Words: Donna Kelly
