The Block’s 2027 season has already sparked controversy, despite the latest season still being on air.
The renovation juggernaut’s next location was revealed by hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft during Channel Nine’s Upfronts last week, with the show set to head to Jacksons Hill in Sunbury, Victoria.
According to WHO, Cam revealed the upcoming season would be going “full Bridgerton”, with contestants tasked with transforming three historic buildings into five luxury homes.
But the announcement hasn’t gone down well with everyone in the local community.
Locals fear The Block will impact Sunbury
The major challenge for next year’s contestants will reportedly be navigating the heritage restrictions surrounding the historic site while transforming the buildings into high-end properties.
However, locals have raised concerns about the impact the production could have on the area, including increased traffic and congestion.
There are also concerns about what will happen to the historically significant buildings, with some residents arguing the site should be preserved and made available for public use rather than converted into private homes.
The site was reportedly nicknamed the Sunbury Slaughterhouse when it was used as a school in the 1860s, before later becoming a mental health hospital. It remained a hospital until 1962 and has largely been left untouched since.
One local told WHO: “Oh god dammit. This is going to be horrible for school drop-off and pick-up, as well as the disappointment that the government is selling off community assets to Channel Nine.”
Another said: “The thought of this place being turned into houses for ratings on a TV show is very upsetting. How does this benefit the community?”
Locals wanted a community hub
The Sunbury Asylum Alliance has reportedly been campaigning for a different future for the site.
According to WHO, the organisation submitted an application to the State Government more than 13 years ago seeking approval to transform the historic buildings into a “vibrant community hub and premium tourist destination”.
That vision has yet to eventuate, with locals now reportedly pushing back against the site being used for The Block.
The backlash also comes amid a wider criticism that the renovation show has become increasingly disconnected from the reality of the Australian housing market.
The Block’s luxury homes have sparked criticism
This year, The Block is based in Mount Eliza, one of Victoria’s most sought-after property markets.
Mark Nunn from Buxton Real Estate, who represents Lisa and Rosco on this year’s series and previously worked with Britt and Taz, explained to WHO why the show has increasingly moved towards high-end properties.
“It’s hard to build a house that’s, say, you know, in the average median house price of the Australian marketplace for a TV show,” he said.
He continued, “Realistically, to try and build a house, and make a TV show out of it – because they’re also looking for what design edges they’ve got, what new innovations are coming into the market – it’s really hard to do that at, say, the median house price level.
“So I think… the way building costs have gone, The Block has naturally gone to a more of an aspirational type purchaser, more so than, you know, just build a house and sell it.”
The Block airs Sunday – Wednesday on Channel 9 and 9Now.
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