The Block will be heading to Daylesford, central Victoria, next year and locals are already bracing for impact.
Located in lush countryside 111 kilometers from Melbourne, the small town has become a popular weekend getaway destination for those living in the smoke.
But leaders of the community, population 10,000, are concerned about how the successful program will influence the city’s “image.”
Nine bought a plot of land not far from the city’s main street, where five teams will build luxury homes completely from scratch.
Steve Rowe, chief executive of Daylesford Local Tourism Board, is convinced the presence of the show will bring additional publicity to the area and even more tourists, boosting Daylesford’s economy.
But he has also expressed concern about Daylesford’s image.
The Block will be heading to Daylesford, central Victoria, next year and locals are already bracing for impact. Pictured: Block host Scott Cam
Located in lush countryside 111 kilometers from Melbourne, the small town has become a popular weekend getaway destination for those living in the smoke.
“Once filming is over, my interest will wane,” he told Herald of the sun.
“But during production it will definitely attract people to the town – we just need to make sure it shows Daylesford in the right way.”
“For me, it’s all about perspective: we are a very close-knit community, when things align, everyone benefits, we just have to make the most of it.”
Meanwhile, local trader Alexander Hancock told the publication that not everyone in Daylesford “was excited” about the Nine show coming to town.
However, he agreed that the reality hit meant “free publicity” for the tourist place.
Daylesford was supposed to be the location for the 2024 season of The Block, however production was eventually moved to Phillip Island following a planning dispute.
Despite plans for the proposed setting being approved by the Hepburn Shire, Nine was challenged in the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) in September.
The network was reportedly forced to cancel $500,000 worth of accommodations it had reserved for the show’s cast and crew.
The Block’s presence in Daylesford is sure to boost tourism
Nine bought a plot of land not far from the city’s main street where five teams will build luxury homes completely from scratch.
According to plans, contestants will create the structure of a five-bedroom floor plan, which will include a study, living room, garage, covered outdoor area and a heated pool.
“We’ve had so many successful series in so many different places, but we don’t go where we’re not welcome,” one production insider told the Herald Sun at the time.
“Especially for the 20th season of The Block, which is so important.”
According to Realestate.com.au, planning documents submitted to Hepburn Shire Council for The Block 2025 include five new homes that will provide a starting point for contestants.
Contestants will be required to complete the design of a five-bedroom floor plan, including a study, living room and garage.
The properties will also include other luxurious amenities including a covered outdoor area and a heated pool.
The documents, which were filed by Group Architects, also suggest the five homes will be nearly identical two-story green developments.
The Blockheads had previously been tasked with renovating an existing property or, in the case of the 2022 season, renovating homes that were shipped to the Gisborne site.
In December, Victoria’s Planning Minister finally approved the application to build five homes on a 2,000 square meter site owned by Hygge Property.
Daylesford, located in Victoria’s famous Macedon Ranges region, offers a unique combination of natural beauty, historic charm and vibrant local culture.
“Daylesford has a strong national tourism brand – unlike other places we don’t rely on sun, sand or snow to attract visitors,” said Belle Property Daylesford senior director Will Walton, who sold the site to Nine.
‘We are recognized as a culinary destination, renowned for our high-end, award-winning restaurants.
“This focus on food and wine is a key driver for our tourism sector and also stimulates our holiday investment property market.”