The Block, Australia’s most successful renovation reality program, is back for an incredible 16th season — stepping back through time for a challenge unlike any other.
This year will look a little different with five-period homes from the 1910s, 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s all in desperate need of a makeover and all situated on one block at 360 New Street, Brighton, Melbourne.
The block is located within walking distance of the beach and minutes from the world-famous Brighton Beach Boxes.
As for Scotty Cam’s The Block HQ, it has been relocated from its old home at The Palais Theatre in St Kilda to Middle Brighton Baths.
About Brighton
Brighton is a coastal suburb of Melbourne which is situated 12 kilometres from Melbourne CBD and has some very famous residents including actor Eric Bana (Dirty John), AFL player Chris Judd and wife Rebecca Judd, and and former AFL player Brendan Fevola.
The Victorian suburb is quite affluent with 74 per cent of residents owning their own home, however, if you’re looking at buying at least a four-bedroom house, you’ll need at least $3 million. A five-bedder home will set you back $3.68 million.
A stone’s throw to this year’s block is the Brighton Baths, which is home to the famous Icebergers cold water swimming squad and the suburb is also known for its beautiful Churches and schools.
Bay Street, is the epi-centre that boasts some very Melbourne cafes, shopping and the Palace Brighton cinema.
Even more interesting, will be the fact that this year’s series was partly filmed during the COVID-19 pandemic — giving viewers a snapshot into life in Brighton.
In an interview with 9Entertainment, Julian Cress, Executive Producer and creator of The Block said that watching “the coronavirus as it unfolded” will be one of the most “fascinating” aspects of the show.
“They’ll be able to see it through the eyes of the contestants, what they went through and had to deal with it as it came our way and how they coped with the challenges of it. Having to concentrate on a renovation during a global pandemic is something that, as hard as it was for them to deal with, also makes for what I think is really compelling television.”