A new 25-storey apartment tower proposed for Mercer Street would push Geelong’s western gateway skyline higher, with Morphy Birrell Property Group lodging plans for a project directly beside one of the city’s most significant heritage streetscapes.

The <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/fk-australia">FK</a>-designed development at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/65-67-mercer-street-geelong-vic-3220">65-67 Mercer Street</a> has now been referred to Victoria’s Planning Minister. The site sits opposite the Geelong rail corridor and immediately south of the heritage-listed St Peter and Paul’s Catholic Church and Ashby Hall precinct.

Rather than compete with the neighbouring ecclesiastical buildings, the proposal adopts a sculpted podium intended to reference the materiality and scale of the heritage context. Planning documents note the design draws cues from the “dark stone brick” church and surrounding masonry buildings, while the tower above transitions into a softer, curved form oriented toward Corio Bay and the Geelong waterfront.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b797d10c-d4a6-47af-b8df-1aeaa3b382be" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/public%20square.png?VersionId=QGIpcz1x1hKB6lQLl2iobyHqb6PS2Ztc" />

The development forms “Stage 5” of Morphy Birrell Property Group’s broader Mercer Street precinct strategy, following the completion of the 21-storey Miramar tower on Cavendish Street and several additional approved redevelopment stages nearby. Planning consultants Ratio said the proposal “represents an exemplary development outcome” aligned with the strategic ambitions for Central Geelong’s continued urban renewal.

The mixed-use project would replace an existing low-rise commercial building and surface parking area on the 3,320 sqm corner site. FK’s urban context report describes the proposal as a residential development comprising apartments, resident amenities, commercial space, and integrated landscaping positioned to maximise bay views and northern sunlight access.

Renders show a deeply articulated tower with curved balconies stepping above a lower masonry podium that frames a landscaped forecourt facing Mercer Street. The design intentionally preserves sightlines toward the adjacent church buildings, with the podium scaled to reinforce the heritage edge before the tower recedes upward.

<img alt="First look: Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2bdca91e-66f7-4ac7-8baa-2f93bd5b564e" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/geelong%20site.png?VersionId=QOhbino4ZgzKYw5dW3QE14E.2yq.Sv87" />

The planning report highlights the site’s strategic location within 400 metres of key Geelong destinations including Cunningham Pier, the Geelong Station precinct, Deakin University, and the convention centre. Bus services run directly along Mercer Street, while the Corio Bay foreshore sits around 100 metres north of the site.

The proposal arrives amid accelerating redevelopment across central Geelong, where planning policy continues to encourage higher-density housing close to transport infrastructure and the waterfront. Mercer Street in particular has emerged as a focal point for taller apartment development due to its proximity to Geelong Station, the bay, and major civic infrastructure.

Joel Robinson

Morphy Birrell Property Group targets 25-storey Geelong tower beside landmark church precinct

Development giant&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/hamton">Hamton</a> and joint venture partner Hostplus have revealed the next residential stage of their $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan, lodging plans for 512 more apartments within the precinct on surplus racecourse land at 110 Wilson Street, Moonee Ponds.

The proposed development, dubbed&nbsp;<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/trackside-house-110-wilson-street-moonee-ponds-vic-3039">Trackside Gardens</a>&nbsp;in the planning application, follows the <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/news/vic/first-look-exclusive-hamton-and-hostplus-reveal-sixth-stage-of-moonee-valley-park-masterplan">recent unveiling of the sixth-stage Cox Place Precinct</a> and continues the long-running transformation of the Moonee Valley Racecourse into one of Melbourne’s largest urban renewal projects.

Positioned on the north-eastern edge of the racecourse adjacent to CityLink, Trackside Gardens will comprise three residential buildings rising between 61.8 metres and 86.4 metres within a heavily landscaped precinct shaped by Hamton’s Nature Based Cities framework.

The project forms part of the broader Moonee Valley Park redevelopment being delivered by Hamton, Hostplus and the Moonee Valley Racing Club, which is reshaping the 40-hectare racecourse site into a mixed-use neighbourhood with housing, retail, commercial space, hotels, parkland and community infrastructure.

Trackside Gardens sits separately to the recently proposed Cox Place Precinct, a five-building stage comprising around 1,100 residences, two build-to-rent buildings, two build-to-sell towers, retail, office space, and a hotel overlooking the racetrack. Together, the projects continue to accelerate housing delivery across the precinct.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="5fc1941e-52d3-41c6-abc4-0f13fe8ae5ea" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/DA%20Edits%20%281%29.png?VersionId=7qwRHq5dcvXWNot2hNOgoQhN2GIWudNK" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/dko-architecture">DKO Architecture</a> with landscape architecture by Tract, Trackside Gardens has been conceived as a botanical-style residential precinct prioritising canopy planting, communal green space, and vertical landscaping.

“The architectural vision for the proposed development centres around buildings in a botanical park setting that champions the important role of nature,” the planning submission states.

“The proposal incorporates principles of biophilic design, with landscape and environmentally sustainable development influencing the ultimate design response of the buildings and prioritising the ground plane to ensure a high amenity for both occupants and visitors.”&nbsp;

Trackside Gardens will deliver 512 apartments across the three buildings, alongside 518 basement car spaces and 523 bicycle spaces. Around 20 per cent affordable housing is proposed across the broader North East Precinct, equating to around 158 dwellings.&nbsp;

The affordable housing component will be concentrated within the Wilson East building, while the remaining apartments are expected to be delivered as build-to-sell residences.

Trackside Gardens has been designed around Hamton’s Nature Based Cities initiative, founded by Executive Chair Paul Hameister OAM in partnership with the University of Melbourne, Urbis, Ark Resources and Tract. The initiative promotes integrating higher-density urban development with significant biodiversity, tree canopy and landscape outcomes.

<img alt="First look: Hamton expands Moonee Valley Park masterplan with 512-home Trackside Gardens precinct" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="89353449-7b3c-42fd-8fd8-8bf64a5ef80f" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Article%20Feature%20Image%20%28Grid%29_4.png?VersionId=X8jRt0P2L7fIWjLhfX6gPknXToXIBeLj" />

A comprehensive landscape strategy would introduce deep soil planting, vertical greening, communal gardens, and new pedestrian links throughout the site.

Planning documents state the development is targeting a 5 Star Green Star Buildings rating, a 7.5-star average NatHERS rating, and “Exemplary” Nature Based Cities certification.&nbsp;

The proposal joins an expanding pipeline of approved and proposed buildings within Moonee Valley Park, including the recently launched Eveline apartments and the approved Grandstand North and South towers.

Hamton has increasingly focused on precinct-scale, nature-led communities across Melbourne’s middle-ring suburbs, with projects spanning Hawthorn, Kew, and Moonee Ponds.

Hampton unveils Trackside Gardens, latest stage of $3 billion Moonee Valley Park masterplan

The Paul Gedoun-led <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/ss-projects">S&amp;S Group</a> has achieved another milestone in its $1 billion transformation of Rainbow Bay on the southern Gold Coast with the completion of the company’s third project in four years, the $160 million <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/esprit-217-227-boundary-street-coolangatta-qld-4225">Esprit</a> residences.

Delivered by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/builders/hutchinson-builders">Hutchinson Builders</a> and designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cottee-parker-architects">Cottee Parker Architects</a>, Esprit buyers have now moved into the 94 apartments across two interconnected buildings at 217-227 Boundary Street.

The successful settlement of Esprit marks another astounding chapter in the S&amp;S story, which launched its highly successful Flow apartments three years ago and created its own ultra-luxury branded fingerprint on an area craving new luxury residences.

Most early purchasers have secured gains of well over $1 million since the project launched in 2021.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172129]

S&amp;S Projects Founding Director Paul Gedoun said the completion of Esprit reflects sustained demand for premium apartments in tightly held coastal locations.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp; 
“Esprit has attracted buyers seeking a combination of quality design, considered amenity and a location that is becoming increasingly difficult to replicate,” said Gedoun.

“We identified some years ago that Rainbow Bay is a unique market where supply of luxury residences is limited, and we see the settlements in Esprit further underpinning this thinking - that for both owner-occupiers and investors.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172174]

A key feature of the development is ‘Club Esprit’, a 1,000sqm residents-only rooftop level combining wellness and recreation, believed to be a first for the Gold Coast, and which is fast becoming a signature of the S&amp;S brand.

Positioned to capture views across Snapper Rocks, Rainbow Bay and the Tweed River, the rooftop includes a 25-metre lap pool, gym, yoga lawn, sauna and steam facilities, ice bath, private dining spaces, outdoor cinema and landscaped areas for residents.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/project-marketer/pezet-matheson">Pezet Matheson</a> Director Jayde Pezet, who led the sales campaign for Esprit and S&amp;S’s Flow and Awaken apartments, said the project’s performance reflects both the strength of the product and the depth of demand for premium apartments on the southern Gold Coast.&nbsp;

“In some cases, we’ve seen values double since launch, which is a clear reflection of how tightly held Rainbow Bay has become and the level of demand for well-executed projects in this market,” said Pezet.&nbsp;

“Buyers recognised early what S&amp;S Projects was delivering here, and that conviction has been rewarded as the project has progressed towards completion.”&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=214819]

Esprit offers a mix of two- three and four-bedroom apartments and sits within walking distance of the beachfront, cafés and local amenities, reinforcing its appeal as both a lifestyle and investment destination.

The project is the third completed by S&amp;S Projects in Rainbow Bay, following Flow Residences and Awaken Residences, which together have contributed to the suburb’s emergence as one of the Gold Coast’s most sought-after coastal pockets. &nbsp;

S&amp;S Projects is continuing its investment in the area with Radia, a $215 million development currently under construction.&nbsp;

[smartcode_project:default project_id=102921 project_image_fid=172175]

Gedoun said the completion of Esprit signals continued confidence in the southern Gold Coast market.&nbsp;

“We’ve seen strong interest in well-located, high-quality apartments, particularly in areas where future development opportunities are limited."

“That’s been a key factor in the performance of Esprit and the broader Rainbow Bay market”.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=102921]

Owners move in as Esprit completes at Rainbow Bay

Few developers can boast a portfolio across South East Queensland's luxury markets quite like <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/mosaic-property-group">Mosaic Property Group</a>.

The builder-developer, founded in 2004 by Managing Director Brook Monahan, has projects in planning, on the market, and under construction, from Burleigh Heads and Broadbeach to Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane.

With a pipeline exceeding $2 billion, Mosaic remains highly selective when it comes to development sites, having spent years refining its strategy around feasibility research and product planning. The group is set to continue growing into 2026 and beyond.

In Brisbane, Mosaic currently has three projects in the market. It is in the final release stage at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-bedford-by-mosaic-16-30-prospect-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Bedford</a> in Kangaroo Point, which is approaching complete sellout ahead of its late 2027 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328123]

Designed in collaboration with <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/bda-architecture">BDA Architecture</a>, The Bedford comprises 128 two- and three-bedroom residences. A selection of ultra-luxury Masterpiece Series Skyhomes, positioned across the top levels, offer expansive floor plans and sweeping views of the river and city.

High-end inclusions, such as natural stone benchtops, bespoke cabinetry, and Miele appliances, feature throughout all apartments, alongside the Rooftop Recreation &amp; Retreat Sky Terrace. This includes a resort-style pool with sun deck and loungers, spa, cold plunge pool, sauna, steam room, private dining room with a full kitchen, residents' lounge, multiple barbeque and relaxation zones, an outdoor viewing deck, and landscaped gardens with water features, all oriented to sweeping city and river views.

A gym with indoor and outdoor zones, and a golf simulator, further enhances recreational choice within the building.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=134792 project_image_fid=328119]

A defining feature of the development is its integrated mixed-use component, which will deliver Kangaroo Point's first major supermarket, alongside a café and liquor store, bringing long-awaited convenience to the peninsula.

Monahan says The Bedford represents the culmination of a near-decade-long journey, after first identifying the A-grade Prospect Street site in 2016. While they came close to acquiring it at the time, the site was ultimately purchased by Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot. The opportunity resurfaced in 2024 when the site, vacant for nearly three decades, was brought back to market.

Monahan says Mosaic projects often begin years before any formal plans are drawn. Their new South Brisbane development is no exception, with the site first earmarked in 2018.

"We aren't opportunistic," Monahan says. "Every site purchase is carefully considered. As seen with Kangaroo Point and South Brisbane, it can take years to eventuate. There are sites we're looking at now that we may not secure for several years."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=141711 project_image_fid=353495]

A similar story unfolded at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-carter-by-mosaic-77-linton-street-kangaroo-point-qld-4169">The Carter</a> in Kangaroo Point, opposite The Gabba. Like The Bedford, it is also approaching sellout of its 125 two- and three-bedroom apartments. The majority of sales are attributed to returning customers and referrals, with a balanced mix of investors and a strong majority of owner-occupiers.

BDA Architecture was again engaged to design the 22-storey building, which will feature a suite of wellness and lifestyle amenities, including a golf simulator and cinema, a commercial-grade gym, and a rooftop recreation level with a pool, steam room, sauna, cold plunge, teppanyaki bar, private dining spaces, and landscaped terraces.

Construction is on track for completion in mid-2027.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Mosaic's latest offering is its most ambitious yet, boasting a rare, north-facing riverfront position on Montague Road in South Brisbane.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/the-riversdale-by-mosaic-south-brisbane-91-montague-road-south-brisbane-qld-4101">The Riversdale by Mosaic</a> is a 39-storey tower comprising just over 200 residences and Masterpiece Series Sky Homes. Designed in partnership with Bureau Proberts, it will feature nearly 3,000 sqm of genuine, internationally benchmarked six-star, hotel-style amenities, including a wellness precinct, pool, gym, massage and treatment rooms, cinema, golf simulator, and extensive outdoor dining areas across a two-level rooftop deck.

Early works are underway, with full construction expected to commence in the second half of 2026, and an anticipated late 2029 completion.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=151614 project_image_fid=362759]

Since 2012 alone, Mosaic has completed more than $2 billion in projects and is set to deliver another $2 billion worth of developments, comprising hundreds of luxury apartments, each defined by Mosaic's signature standards of quality, detail, and delivery.

"We never arrive, there is no finish line," says Monahan. "Our ambition is to keep evolving what luxury means, creating design- and lifestyle-led residences in incredible locations, places people genuinely aspire to and want to live, homes that are loved deeply and endure long beyond their moment."

Mosaic's Midas Touch

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/urban-property-group">Urban Property Group</a> (Urban) has broken ground at Keira Place, its new major mixed-use residential precinct in the heart of Wollongong CBD.

Held at 120-122 Smith Street, the groundbreaking marked the commencement of construction on Stage 1 of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/keira-place-120-122-smith-street-wollongong-nsw-2500">Keira Place</a>, with the opening of the new display suite. 
&nbsp; 
Keira Place is a State Significant Development that will deliver new housing supply, affordable homes and inclusive living options within walking distance of Wollongong’s CBD, coastline, transport, hospital and education precincts.

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369868] 
&nbsp; 
Stage 1 is now under construction and will deliver 150 apartments across two residential buildings, including 27 affordable housing apartments and 18 specialist disability accommodation dwellings, along with activated ground-floor retail and commercial space. 
&nbsp; 
Urban Co-CEO Patrick Elias said the groundbreaking represented a significant milestone for Wollongong and reflected Urban’s long-term commitment to regional cities.

“Today’s groundbreaking is about turning approvals into homes and moving quickly to deliver much-needed housing in Wollongong’s city centre,” Elias said. 
&nbsp; 
“Keira Place will provide a diverse mix of homes close to jobs, transport and services, while setting a high benchmark for quality, durability and consumer protection.”

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369869] 
&nbsp; 
Hon. Paul Scully MP, Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Member for Wollongong said Keira Place is exactly the kind of development Wollongong needs – delivering new homes close to transport, employment and services, while supporting the continued growth and renewal of the CBD.

"This project reflects the Minns Labor Government's commitment to increasing housing supply in well-located areas." 
&nbsp; 
Wollongong Lord Mayor Cr Tania Brown said Keira Place would deliver lasting community benefits for the city. 
&nbsp; 
"Keira Place is a welcome addition to Wollongong's CBD delivering new housing, affordable homes and activated street-level spaces that will benefit our community for years to come," Brown said. 
&nbsp; 
"Urban Property Group's investment reflects the confidence that quality developers have in Wollongong's future, and I look forward to seeing this precinct come to life."

[smartcode_project:default project_id=144442 project_image_fid=369867] 
&nbsp; 
Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, with interiors by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/interior-designers/dko">DKO,</a> Keira Place prioritises liveability and long-term performance, with landscaped shared spaces, generous apartment layouts and a pedestrian-friendly streetscape along Smith Street. 
&nbsp; 
Residents will have access to landscaped podium areas, communal rooftop amenities with views to Mount Keira and the Wollongong skyline, and convenient ground-level retail.

The development will have 10-year Latent Defects Insurance by Resilience Insurance.

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=144442]

Groundbreaking marks start of construction at Keira Place in Wollongong CBD

Elsternwick

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The Block renovation of Ronnie and Georgia was the only home not to be advertised with reference to show.
Biggin &amp; Scott agents Daniel Ashton and Angelos Stefanis decided against advertising the home off the hit renovation show.
They described the transformation of the <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-126572994" target="_blank">1920s home</a> as having a picturesque façade to breathtaking brilliance.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/23/Ronnie2.jpg" alt="">
The whole-floor parent's retreat was described as 5-star hotel style, and the lounge dramatic and moody.
The Perth couple, who are second favourites for the show, have flipped 10 properties together over the last 12 years.
They have won guest bedroom week and studio week.
 
 
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jrobinson-rf4aSBido9

The Block Elsternwick: Ronnie and Georgia's home

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The Block Elsternwick home of Jason and Sarah has been described as sophisticated and seductive in every single way in its listing.
Gary Peer agents Jeremy Rosens and Daniel Micmacher <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-126572486" target="_blank">marketed the home</a> as an "exquisite residence with no expense spared".
The couple have had multiple warnings about their over budgeting throughout the show.
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/24/Jason2.jpg" alt="">
The home features brushed gold tap wear, solid brass accents and marble and bespoke timber throughout.
The couple from Victoria won kitchen week which their state of the art kitchen with Caesarstone and Bosch appliances and a butler's pantry.
 
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The Block Elsternwick: Jason and Sarah's home

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The Block homes are set for sale this weekend as this year's Elsternwick series comes to an end.
Townsville couple Clint and Hannah's modern home, known as <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-126578466" target="_blank">Henderson House</a>, is being marketed by The Agency as reminders of yesterday with luxuries for today.
The designer Regent Street home has five bedrooms and three bathrooms. 
<img src="https://res.cloudinary.com/dz9xllyip/image/fetch/c_scale,w_580,q_auto:good/https://s3-ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/po.images/2017/10/23/Clint1.jpg" alt="">
Clint is a former Australian professional rugby league player.
The couple's first week on The Block was a disaster as they were hit with a $61,000 bill for their main bathroom as their tilers did a substandard job.
Peter Kakos and Sam Babalis have the listing.
 
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The Block Elsternwick: Clint and Hannah's home

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The Elsternwick properties renovated on this year’s series of The Block have hit the market for October 28 auction.
The indicative sale prices for all five homes are between $2.4 million and $2.64 million, which is not an indication of the auction day reserve price.
Market commentators have suggested previously the homes ought fetch $3 million.
Ronnie and Georgia’s house is listed for sale with Biggin &amp; Scott Elsternwick.
Elyse and Josh’s house, 46A, is for sale through Hocking Stuart Caulfield.
Clint and Hannah’s house, <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-elsternwick-126578466" target="_blank">46D Regent Street</a>, is being sold by The Agency.
Jason and Sarah’s property has been listed through Gary Peer. 
NSW mates, Sticks and Wombat’s grey five-bedroom house has been listed through Noel Jones.
 
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

Conservative price estimates given by The Block Elsternwick listing agents

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No price clues came from weekend Elsternwick auction results on the likely worth of the five relocated restored homes that featured in last night's premiere of The Block's latest series.
The weatherboard cottages will be auctioned in around 12 weeks time.
The low-key Melbourne suburb had four weekend auctions - but they were all apartments.
They sold between <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-unit-vic-elsternwick-125870294" target="_blank">$606,000</a> (above) for a one bedroom on Orrong Road and <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-apartment-vic-elsternwick-125841406" target="_blank">$910,000</a> for a two bedroom McCrombie Street apartment that had been tipped to fetch $880,000.
Elsternwick's July house sales have ranged between $1.4 million to $1.975 million.
Moving an entire home is not something that is common, but as its been done on The Block, it will no doubt become more fashionable. For more information about moving entire homes download our handy eBook.
The Block debuted last night for its 13th season with 1.117m metro viewers tuning in.
The premiere was up on last year’s launch audience of 1.074m, according to OzTAM’s overnight preliminary metro ratings.
 
<img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-461404" src="https://d1pet9gxylz2tx.cloudfront.net/uploads/2017/07/The-Block-1-800x480.png" alt="" width="470" height="282">
The Block was the most-watched program across key advertising demographics 16-39, 18-49 and 25-54.
Debuting at 7:30pm last night, Ten’s Australian Survivor managed 639,000 metro viewers, shedding 144,000 viewers from last year’s debut.
Seven’s Sunday Night was the most-watched program for the evening with 1.334 million tuning in to hear Princes William and Harry speak of their mother’s death for the first time.
Elsternwick is named after an early property in the area, which was named from German and Anglo-Saxon words meaning "magpie" and "village" respectively.
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Elsternwick weekend auctions offer no clue to The Block relocated home pricing 

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The new season of The Block features contestants renovating five separate neighbouring detached weatherboard period houses that were transported to The Block's building site in Melbourne's Elsternwick.
The contestants will have 12 weeks and a renovation budget of $250,000.
The show airs July 30.
Channel Nine paid $9.4 million for the vacant 3000-square-metre block on Regent Street, some nine kilometres from the CBD.
The contestants will renovate the ageing houses which transported to the site from Pascoe Vale, Moonee Ponds, Brunswick, Preston and Brighton.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/10/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-10%20at%2010.33.38%20AM.png" alt="" width="614" height="345">
This season’s contestants include:
<ul>
<li>Friends Sticks (carpenter and photographer) and Wombat (salesman) from the South Coast of New South Wales</li>
<li>Couple Ronnie (plasterer and handyman) and Georgia (kid’s clothing designer) from Perth, WA</li>
<li>Couple Hannah (ex-Qantas hostess and ground crew) and Clint (property salesman) from Townsville, Queensland</li>
<li>Couple Jason (plumber) and Sarah (nurse) from Victoria</li>
<li>Couple Josh (carpenter) and Elyse (model) from Melbourne, Victoria</li>
</ul>
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-11%20at%209.49.16%20AM.png" alt="">
Host Scott Cam was reported as saying contestants have their work cut out for them, with five beautiful old homes to be renovated.
“They’re all in their nineties now, relics from a bygone era, and sure, they need some TLC, but it would have been heartbreaking to see them all bulldozed,” he said.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/07/11/Screen%20Shot%202017-07-11%20at%209.50.37%20AM.png" alt="">
Co-host Shelley Craft said the contestants will be renovating the houses on large, 470 square metre blocks. Each home will also have an extension built, with open plan living, dining and kitchen, along with an upstairs master suite.
Domain managing editor Alice Stolz said once upon a time Elsternwick was one of Melbourne’s best kept secrets.
"But in the past few years it has become one of Melbourne’s ultimate suburbs.
"It appeals to families, savvy professionals and expats for the high-quality schools in the area, as well as offering the best of Melbourne lifestyle."
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Detached transported period homes The Block's next challenge on Elsternwick street

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Retail giant Woolworths has snapped up ABC's former studios in the Melbourne suburb of Elsternwick for a reported $40-$50 million in a deal brokered by Savills.
The public broadcaster confirmed Tuesday it had completed the tender process for the sale, according to a report in the Sydney Morning Herald.
The property was put on the market late last year through an expressions of interest process that closed December 6, 2016.
“Staff from Selwyn Street will commence moving to the ABC's Southbank headquarters in April 2017," ABC  said in a statement.
The report cited title documents obtained by BusinessDay showing Woolworths' development arm, Fabcot Pty Ltd, had placed a caveat over the ABC site.
Savills’ Clinton Baxter, Nick Peden and Jesse Radisich, who brokered the deal, did not comment on the deal value, but sources cited by report put it between $40 million to $50 million.
"The sale price is confidential, however the tender process ensured the amount was in line with market expectations," ABC spokesman Nick Leys said.
The ABC will now move to sell its nearby Gordon Street studio through a similar tender sale process, Leys said.
All television and radio production at the two sites will move to the broadcaster's Southbank studios.
The sale of Elsternwick marks the end of an era for Australian television as it was the site of ABC TV's first ever broadcast in 1956.
Both the Elsternwick and Gordon Street sites were used as offices and warehouse facilities for different ABC production units, and have occasionally been used to film scenes from popular shows, including Countdown, Kath and Kim and Hugh Jackman's prison drama Correlli.
The ABC's redeveloped Southbank site has studios large enough to incorporate its operations from Elsternwick.
The corner property at Elsternwick is a 6155 sqm block on six separate titles in a mixed-use zone which comprises offices, storage facilities and some of the ABC’s Melbourne television studios, according to a Savills news release earlier.
A $9.4 million Elsternwick building block with permission for five homes looks set to be the location for this year’s series of The Block.
 
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ABC's iconic Elsternwick studios snapped up by Woolworths for $40-$50 million through Savills

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A $9.4 million Elsternwick building block with permission for five homes looks set to be the location for this year’s series of The Block.
Its been the backup option given the rundown Gatwick Private Hotel, St Kilda offering has proved difficult to secure.
<a href="https://www.garypeer.com/search/view/46-regent-street-elsternwick/1053#.WMWz4oSaoU0" target="_blank">The vacant block</a> which was the Regent Lodge hostel in Elsternwick is not far from the historic Ripponlea homestead.
The 46 Regent Street property was reportedly purchased mid December by a company linked to Channel 9, with Nine CEO Hugh Marks listed as one of the directors.
The company has since had plans for a five lot subdivision approved this week by Glen Eira City Council.
<img src="https://www.urban.com.au/images/2017/03/13/Screen%20Shot%202017-03-13%20at%2011.31.50%20AM.png" alt="">
Workmen moved on to the site on Friday with fencing erected, according to the Herald Sun.
The from scratch project will be a departure for the renovation program
The paper said several of the tradesmen on site were wearing fluoro vests branded with the name of a company that specialises in relocating homes.
The Block has previously worked renovation magic in Richmond, South Melbourne, South Yarra, Albert Park, Prahran and most recently Port Melbourne.
Filming is tipped to get underway on the new series late next month with the show typically airing from August.
Several years ago Kate Ceberano and Gina Riley have won a five-year development dispute preventing a private boys' school opening a campus on the block.
The Yesodei HaTorah College wanted 46 Regent Street to be a three storey, 325-student campus. They paid $3 million in 2006 selling at $4.75 million in 2010.
At a council meeting in 2010, Ceberano argued the proposed school would ruin the neighbourly atmosphere of Elsternwick.
Another local celebrity mum, comedian Gina Riley – famous for Kath And Kim – opposed the development on the basis of traffic and parking.
Several other schools, including Caulfield Grammar Senior School, are in or around Regent Street.
Meanwhile The Gatwick could still be a location for future series of the show, should a sale go through.
The property remains on the market with residents having been given four months to find alternative accommodation.
For an e-book on house removal click here.
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The Block set for Elsternwick building from scratch in 2017 series

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The television couple Sam Wood and Snezana Markoski - who met on The Bachelor - have announced they have purchased a house in Melbourne.
With his fiancee, Wood, a fitness trainer, shared his purchase news on Instagram hashtagging "#family #fiance #future" in the caption. Nothing about the financing, but Title Tattle sees it was on the Gary Peer website as sold at $1.625 million.
"So ... the most incredible woman I've ever met and I just bought this beautiful little house," Sam told his 187,000 social media followers. 
<a href="https://www.garypeer.com.au/search/view/1-acacia-street-elsternwick/1737#.VpzYtMB94Us" target="_blank">The three bedroom, two bedroom Edwardian Elsternwick family home</a> has enough rooms for the couple and Snezana's 10-year-old daughter. 
Since The Bachelor finale last September, Snezana has been regularly flying east from her hometown of Perth.
<a href="/news">Elsternwick's median house price sits at a record $1.37 million</a>, according to CoreLogic RP Data. 
Their house purchase last sold at $506,550 million in 2003.
It is one of the most traded homes in the suburb having sold at $250,000 in 1991 and $25,000 in 1977.
Since Markoski and Wood’s engagement there has been speculation that their wedding would become the subject of a fly-on-the-wall series for Channel 10.
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