Brisbane-based builder-developer <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/bpg-developments">BPG Developments</a> has secured approval for its $250 million Newstead apartment tower.

The building, at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/16-22-maud-street-newstead-qld-4006">16-22 Maud Street</a>, will have 103 apartments across the 15-level building which will be crowned with a rooftop wellness facilities.

Residents will range from expansive two-bedroom residences, through to several penthouses on level 15. There will be 1,380 sqm&nbsp;dedicated to wellness-inspired amenities including shaded outdoor dining nooks, a fire pit, barbecue area, sunset lounge, gym, yoga deck, magnesium lap pool, sun deck, a sauna, steam room, and cold plunge pool.

BPG put together the 2,430 sqm super-site combines three separate titles – a vacant warehouse, an electrical &nbsp;wholesaler and an industrial shed, which were acquired in two separate transactions over a 12 month period. &nbsp;

<img alt="BPG Developments secures development approval for $250 million Newstead project" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d007d4fb-9c44-4e54-b79e-50b68711ebbd" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Final%2012_Podium%20Plaza%20View_r.jpg?VersionId=w6zql5hPjAp3j1..ZTCaYLzN65Ora8Z2" />

BPG was founded by industry veterans Nick Parr and Glen Williams. Parr said the project feels like a "coming home of sorts" for the pair, as they've both spent&nbsp;both spent the majority of their lives living in Brisbane's inner north. &nbsp;

“I lived just up the road in Teneriffe for most of my childhood," Parr said.

"We saw this site as an opportunity to deliver a timeless project in arguably Brisbane’s most popular suburb, where &nbsp;the standard for luxury design and amenities is incredibly high."

Parr believes Brisbane is in a bit of a "sweet spot" currently, in that&nbsp;construction prices have stabilised and demand has continued to climb which means the market is tightening up.&nbsp;

“The Brisbane market is unique in that there is no shortage of sites with existing development approvals, the issue is around the availability of builders who can deliver such projects. We are one of the few builder-developers who can build our own projects at scale &nbsp;so we are able to move quickly into delivery mode which gives confidence to our purchasers.” &nbsp;

Williams said they are proud of the project both&nbsp;in the sense of the significance of the site, but also in the quality and timelessness of the design. &nbsp;

“At BPG Projects we are conscious to prioritise quality over volume, so we tend to &nbsp;approach one project at a time," Williams said.

“For us we are motivated by creating a lasting legacy in our projects, so working with Plus &nbsp;Architecture to realise this vision has been a rewarding journey.” &nbsp;

BPG has appointed MOTIV to handle the sales and marketing of the new tower, which is expected to launch early next year. MOTIV Founder Carly Cottam said the project epitomises everything Newstead is about.

"Newstead is a huge success story in the revitalisation of Brisbane, and as a result it’s now one of the most popular inner suburbs, characterised by its exceptional urban design and wellness-driven lifestyle," Cottam said.

“We know this market values flexibility in floorplates, abundant storage and really liveable &nbsp;kitchens and interiors. That’s why designing an entire building around the owner occupier market with 100 &nbsp;percent of the floorplates representing two or three-bedroom residences mean this project is primed to appeal to the right audience.” &nbsp;

BPG completed Sable Palm Beach on the Gold Coast in 2019, and has plans for more developments in the suburb, as part of their $500 million development pipeline.

Joel Robinson

BPG Developments secures development approval for $250 million Newstead project

With three projects currently in market in Elizabeth Bay and Mosman, two of which are under construction and completing next year, apartment developer Toohey Miller is expanding its new development pipeline across Sydney.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/toohey-miller">Toohey Miller</a>, led by Nick Couloumbis, has filed plans for <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/oxford160-160-oxford-street-paddington-nsw-2021">Oxford160</a>, 44 new apartments across a nine-storey building on Oxford Street in Paddington. It will have 12 apartment designated as affordable housing as per the Housing SEPP 2021 mid-rise reforms which trigger increased height limits, and street-level retail spaces.

The vision for the project is to create a "welcoming and family-friendly place to live with a mix of quality and affordable homes to support the Paddington community at different life stages."

Designs prepared by Smart Design Studio outline a contemporary, articulated streetwall along Oxford Street, stepping back at the upper levels to mitigate bulk and improve visual integration with the local character. A new laneway will improve pedestrian connectivity to Shadforth Street, while communal open spaces are integrated at both ground and rooftop levels.

<img alt="Oxford160" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0d6e77ed-8c25-4c52-a82d-dd076c66c777" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/Screenshot%202025-12-01%20at%209.52.46%E2%80%AFAM.png?VersionId=hjYcxIWIDOn7JWeom6RzIz7MWc1VG6HF" />

According to the Urban Design Supporting Letter prepared by architect and urban designer Matthew Pullinger, the new scheme “represents a contextually sensitive, responsive and high quality renewal of the site and the broader urban landscape”.

Pullinger said there are a range of benefits to the project, namely its contribution to the renewal of "this part of Oxford Street as a distinctive higher density urban high street and a defining element of greater Sydney’s urban character, thereby enhancing the vitality and liveability of this important street."

The new building will replace&nbsp;a dated 1960s-era apartment block which has 27 studio apartments.&nbsp;Design documents note that the current structure detracts from the character of Oxford Street, with the proposal seeking to restore and enhance the continuity of active shopfronts along the northern edge of the street.

The last project to launch on Oxford Street sold out immediately. It was fashion legend Robby Ingham's The Cambrian, which sold all of its 15 apartments in the first five hours of its weekend launch in 2023 through Ben Stewart.

Toohey Miller plans rare new apartment development on Oxford Street, Paddington 

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/geocon-group">Geocon</a>&nbsp;is advancing its plans for its new&nbsp;mixed-use precinct in Braddon, updated the designs for the prominent site at the intersection of Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues.

The Canberra-based developer is proposing 558 apartments and seven commercial tenancies across four buildings under a staged application first lodged in 2023. The project also includes four levels of basement parking, communal spaces, pedestrian links, and landscaping enhancements.

While the development’s scale remains consistent, the current amendment introduces extensive changes to apartment layouts, building envelopes, façade articulation, and basement design.

According to the Design Statement by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/cox-architecture">Cox Architecture</a>, these adjustments were driven by two core objectives: “enhancing apartment and common area amenity” and “ensuring acknowledgement of the housing design guidelines, entity advice, and planning expectations, while retaining the integrity of the original architectural concept”.

<img alt="Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="066194ad-d73f-49b7-8e39-09e20690a7ac" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%202.png?VersionId=I7eLnim8erdwd2Yu1N5sIcLSndeOK_TC" />

The revised apartment mix has been rebalanced to increase diversity and affordability, including a broader range of unit sizes and a higher proportion of three-bedroom dwellings. The updated design also removes problematic layouts, such as “snorkel” bedrooms and internalised studies, to improve liveability and natural light access.

Cox Architecture noted that “studios and smaller one-beds provide entry-level housing and broaden affordability,” while the number of family-sized three-bed apartments has been increased “in direct response to market demand and policy objectives”.

The circulation spaces within the towers have been redesigned to improve wayfinding and daylight penetration, while the ground floor layout has been reworked to create clearer and more visible entry points, particularly from Northbourne Avenue.

Refinements to the building’s massing and façades have also been introduced in response to planning feedback, with additional breaks and articulation to reduce perceived bulk. “Rooftop plant and lift overruns have been integrated and screened, resolving visibility concerns,” COX stated.

Basement levels have been consolidated and made more efficient, with improvements to bike and storage facilities.

<img alt="Northbourne and Wakefield Avenues" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a1ab9357-707d-46fd-95d7-d6e09c70f20b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/pers%203.png?VersionId=crDXvrmDsGqFGcb_p6NSUlsr0vYsRacq" />

The precinct’s pedestrian connections have been clarified, and the public realm has been restructured to improve permeability and align with the broader Northbourne corridor urban design framework. Landscaping updates include increased deep soil zones and rooftop communal areas, with tree management to be addressed separately.

Geocon acquired the 10,633 sqm site earlier in 2023 following approval of a prior build-to-rent scheme by Evri Group. The existing nine-storey commercial building was demolished in 2022.

The current proposal, designed by Cox Architecture, is positioned as a key contributor to the ACT Government’s urban renewal vision for Northbourne Avenue, an established transport and development spine served by light rail and major arterial roads.

First look: Geocon refines plans for four-tower precinct on Braddon's Northbourne Avenue

The booming Bilinga beachfront is set for another luxury apartment development, with plans filed for KYRR, an 11-level block on the dress circle Pacific Parade.

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/kyrr-70-pacific-parade-bilinga-qld-4225">KYRR</a>, on the corner of Pacific Parade and Archer Street, will comprise 24 apartment on its prime 1,009 sqm site. There had previously been plans for a much more boutique seven-storey, five-unit scheme.

Plans have been pitched by CHM Living, an entity associated with James Quinert, the founder of Norwood Constructions which is based in Melbourne.

<img alt="70 Pacific Parade and 1 Archer Street" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2f6159ee-3511-4b16-b9fa-ae8c008b8faf" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/site_5.png?VersionId=4n2YaBQdjXcshUAkxX8ei9X5N0v2AWqB" />

Designed by <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/byculprit">ByCulprit Architects</a>, the project includes a sculptural façade with soft curves and natural finishes, inspired by the rhythm and calm of the nearby Pacific Ocean.

According to the Town Planning Report by Town Planning Alliance, the project aspires to reflect the intent of the Medium Density Residential zone, aiming to "contribute to the city’s iconic skyline along the coastal spine" with a high degree of architectural modulation and landscaping that softens the built form.

There will be 22 large-scale three-bedroom apartments and two five-bedroom penthouses. The wellness amenities, including a gym, steam room, sauna, pool, golf simulator, and cold plunge, will sit on level one.

Kyrr will follow in the footsteps of <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/buildings/pipis-bilinga-303-golden-four-drive-bilinga-qld-4225">PIPIS</a> in Bilinga by SIERA, which is all but sold out with just one of its luxury 19 apartments left to sell. The building set suburb records, with the penthouses both selling for over $8 million. Down the road is Bilinga House, which has a wider mix of configurations and price points starting from just over $1.2 million.

First look: Bilinga beachfront set for new luxury apartment development, KYRR

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a> has received development approval for Archer &amp; Albert, a 32-storey, mixed-use residential development in the heart of Chatswood.

Located at 57–61 Archer Street and 34 Albert Avenue, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/archer-albert-chatswood-57-61-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Archer &amp; Albert</a> will deliver 150 new homes, including affordable housing, alongside ground-floor and podium retail, commercial space, a heritage house activated as a café, additional ground-level activation, and a landscaped publicly accessible park designed for community use.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/new-apartments/archer-albert-chatswood-57-61-archer-street-chatswood-nsw-2067">Archer &amp; Albert</a> is one of the few large-scale residential developments in the heart of Chatswood City to progress through a council-led architectural design competition and secure development approval, positioning it at the forefront of design led housing.&nbsp;

<img alt="Archer" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="33cb754a-1493-4203-bd16-096d320597f6" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A%2BA_C03_EXT_StreetScape_ID1.jpg?VersionId=oLUPFVAMxuRUTH1Bwki16R48cEo.vLeB" />

Designed by global architecture practice <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/architects/woods-bagot">Woods Bagot</a>, long-term collaborators of the Coronation team, the project draws inspiration from the Sydney Blue Gum High Forest and the leafy character of the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area. The design integrates a restored heritage-listed home and establishes a landscaped connection between Chatswood’s urban centre and its surrounding residential neighbourhoods.&nbsp;

“This is an important project for us and our first entry into the North Shore,” said Joe Nahas, Managing Director of &nbsp;Coronation Property.&nbsp;

“We are deliberate about where we invest and build, <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developments/chatswood-nsw-2067">Chatswood</a> stands out because the fundamentals are already strong. Transport, employment, education, retail and health are all in place. Archer &amp; Albert is about adding new housing into a centre that already works and building on what exists.”&nbsp;

<img alt="Chatswood" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="620fcd78-00be-489b-823a-ca353387b91b" src="https://s3.ap-southeast-2.amazonaws.com/www.urban.com.au/s3fs-public/inline-images/A%2BA_C04_EXT_PARK_HA_ID2.jpg?VersionId=NxSl04Zl1rzt94xlXNA6CNzSR9XMyLgP" />

Aras Labutis, Head of Urban Transformation at <a href="https://www.apartments.com.au/developers/coronation-property">Coronation Property</a>, said the project reflects a disciplined, collaborative approach to city shaping.&nbsp;

“Chatswood sits at an important junction between high-density commercial activity and established residential &nbsp;neighbourhoods," Labutis said.

"Our focus for Archer &amp; Albert was to manage that transition carefully, respecting what’s already there &nbsp;while contributing something new that feels deliberate and enduring."

The approved scheme delivers:&nbsp;

<ul>
	<li>A 32-storey mixed-use tower comprising 150 homes, including 41 affordable housing dwellings • 530sqm of ground-floor retail, dining and commercial offerings&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A 760sqm wellness tenancy integrated within the podium&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A restored heritage building, thoughtfully reimagined as a café overlooking the park&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A landscaped public park, designed as a calm green retreat in the heart of Chatswood&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Resident amenities include a premium gym, golf simulator, mahjong room, dedicated wellness areas, private &nbsp;dining facilities and a curated wine room&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Deep private balconies designed to capture outlooks and northern light&nbsp;</li>
	<li>A refined material palette of natural stone, timber and terracotta&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

[smartcode_project_cta:default project_id=29796]

Coronation receives green light for Archer & Albert apartments in Chatswood

Reality Television

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Estate agent Jesse Raeburn had only just joined The Agency, Albert Park when he won a spot as a competitor on this year's The Block, the biggest Block ever.
He was a selling agent and auctioneer on The Block in 2018, where he <a href="https://aws.propertyobserver.com.au/forward-planning/advice-and-hot-topics/celebrity-property-news/91501-the-agency-secure-top-gatwick-price-per-sqm" target="_blank">successfully sold Courtney and Han’s apartment</a> to the former custodians of The Gatwick. 
He aspired to join after appearing last year and bought his apartment just down the street from the 1850s terrace house row.
Raeburn described his experience filming the show with his girlfriend Mel as "the best thing I have ever done in my life."
He says he's been obsessed by The Block since the initial series at Bondi Beach in 2003.
His initial bedroom renovation will feature a fabric wall plus large cornicing as the feature in the slightly contemporary renovation they propose.
"Being a real estate I have been into many of the homes in the area and that's what the buyers want," he said.
The opening episode showed him admonished several time times for not clearing dangerous debris during their initial demolition.
He was described as cocky, by foreman Keith Schleiger.
"He's being very cocky so far... he's an auctioneer...give me another few days he'll be like a fish out of water, he has no idea what he's doing" Schleiger said.
"If anyone has ever been set up to be the subject of mockery, it’s real estate agent Jesse," reported Domain, who are expected to spruik the show even more than ever since they are officially part of the Nine Network.
Raeburn did an apprenticeship in floor and wall tiling for a large commercial tiling contractor and once he finished he went out on my as a sole trader for a few years in Queensland. 
He worked for a project builder in Mackay where he would tile on average one house a week.
"That was where I really learnt the meaning of hard work. 
"When you work for yourself you have to be extremely self-motivated and also take pride in what you do a lot like real estate so I found the transition quite easy."
His Agency boss Peter Kakos says clients gravitate towards Jesse because his enthusiasm "and they know Jesse will achieve great results for them.”
“His infectious personality and engaging energy has attracted a loyal client base,” Kakos said.
Raeburn said he joined The Agency as he wanted to be a part of a national brand not restricted by post codes.
He started off in real estate in 2015.
He says there indicators of a more positive Melbourne property outlook for the coming period, "with two interest rate cuts, APRA announcing loosening of lending criteria, and a return to power for the incumbent government."
"Buyer sentiment is returning and auction clearance rates around the 70% mark are a good sign that the Melbourne market is again finding its feet.
"If you believe what makes media headlines the market is always in one of two states: crashing down, or racing up out of control and housing is unaffordable. 
"The reality is always somewhere in the middle, but the last twelve months have certainly shown a slower growth than the 5-7 years prior."
He says clients nowadays have a great bulldust detector and can see through flashy presentations and false claims. 
"Every client of mine is a client for life, because they know they can trust me." 
Estate agents were traditionally brought in to find a buyer for the Block properties once the teams had completed their renovations.
But in recent year's they emerged even earlier to assist the contestants on selecting styles that suited the locality.
Buyers agents have have even bigger roles, and <a href="/expert-insights/building/no-conflict-of-interest-over-judging-say-block-south-yarra-buyers-agents">in 2015 were facing conflict of interest suggestions</a> given their dual role.
The show’s 15th season premiered last night on Nine.
Doubts have been raised on the terrace's end appeal given severe cost cutting by the producers.
The contestants have only been given $250,000 to renovate their 460 sqm space, with terrace house with rear studio above garage.
It is just $30,000 more than the $220,000 budget allocated to each of the 230 sqm spaces in the Block's Gatwick. It has averaged 160 sqm throughout the entire series.
The Oslo will see $540 allocated per square metre. It was $950 per square metre.
"The $250,000 sounds like an enormous amount of money... however when you start to renovate an old building lots or labour lots or work - that money can go really quickly," contestant Mark said.
"We spend that much money on a two bedroom 90 sqm apartment," Mitch added. Their latest project <a href="/news/the-block-oslos-mitch-and-mark-seek-north-bondi-buyer">remains for sale at North Bondi. </a>
The couples have been asked to create a 30 square metre bedroom with an ensuite, touted as the “toughest first-week challenge ever.” 
The opening renovations were given an absurdly short period of time for completion as the producers amp up the stress to win ratings.  
"Hell on earth at the Oslo," is how it was described by a contestant trying to meet the cruel deadline in between Lite n' Easy meals.
It seems youfoodz, sponsors of The Block for two years, aren't going to be supplied in the onsite fridge.
Last night The Block failed to crack 1 million metro viewers with its first episode, instead drawing in 991,000, well down on its 2018 premiere of 1.163 million and 1.117 million metro viewers in 2017.
 
 
 
 
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jchancellor-FAypfDUnLy

The Agency's Jesse Raeburn portrayed as cocky contestant on skint The Block Goldrush series

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Shaynna Blaze will front Nine’s silly new property series Buying Blind.
The show features buyers who hand over their life-savings to others to secure their home.
Buying Blind was originally aired on <a href="https://redarrow.tv/broadcasters-get-the-keys-to-red-arrow-internationals-buying-blind/" target="_blank">Danish television</a> - made by the same production company behind the Married At First Sight.
The Block/Selling Houses Australia expert will be joined by buyer’s agent, Rich Harvey and builder, Marshal Keen.
Some have dubbed it Mortgage at First Sight.
“Buying a home is the biggest investment a couple will ever make together, so I couldn’t be more excited to join these couples on their journey to find, build and design their dream home,” said Blaze.
Nine’s Head of Content Production and Development, Adrian Swift, said the show had "unlucky house-hunters who take the ultimate leap of faith".
It’s marketed as edge-of-the-seat drama with the biggest reveal on TV.
Mark Fennessy, CEO of Endemol Shine Australia, the series producers says Buying Blind is a high-stakes property thriller.
An airdate is yet to be announced.
The show's moment of truth comes when the family must decide whether to grant the experts power of attorney over their life-savings to buy a house on their behalf.
The experts then start house-hunting, culminating in them putting in an offer, negotiating the price and completing the purchase.
Then the family are taken to the property, blindfolded, and their new house is revealed to them for the first time.
Disappointment often ensues; and then the experts spend some of the client's money for renovations.
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MAFS for property: Buying Blind to take property television to new lows

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Reality TV renovators Joe and Fil sold their Maribyrnong house which was transformed on the Channel 7 show, House Rules.
Listed so they can move on to their next project, the pair had added a fourth bedroom and third bathroom to <a href="https://www.realestate.com.au/property-house-vic-maribyrnong-125216890" target="_blank">the house at 12 Grandview Avenue</a>.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rending told The Herald Sun prior to auction the buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million.
The House Rules contestants Joe and Fil sold for $1.27 million after it was passed in at $1.11 million.
Rendina Real Estate, Kensington agent Richard Rendina recently said buyer interest had been in the vicinity of $1.3 million. The Tootgarook house of House Rules contestants Claire and Hagan passed in at recent auction for $580,000.
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j.ballantyne1990-6AQqhLzZaK

House Rules sale in Maribyrnong

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Former VFL player Dan Foley and wife Carleen have gone from first to last in the betting for The Block 2016 winner.
The Perth couple, who are the oldest contestant the show has ever had, started as $3.20 favourites, however they've drifted to $6.50 with Ladbrokes.
Will and Karlie have moved into the favourites position, offering a $3.20 price, after winning the guest bedroom room.
<img src="/images/2016/09/07/Block%20latest%20odds.jpg" alt="" width="484" height="159">
The Block week 2 scores
Will and Karlie: 27/30
Kim and Chris: 26.5/30
Ben and Andy: 23.5/30
Julia and Sasha: 21.5/30
Dan and Carleen: 17.5/30
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The Block contestants Carleen and Dan drop from first to last in the betting

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The Block judge Shayna Blaze has criticised Melbourne property developer Jinshan Investments, who have been given the go ahead to demolish the iconic Palace Theatre.
She took to Twitter to vent her frustration of the decision.
Blaze suggested that The Block series preserve the history of buildings, as opposed to demolish them.
<a href="/images/2016/08/31/Shayna%20Blaze%20tweet.jpg" target="_blank">Click here to enlarge</a>
<img src="/images/2016/08/31/Shayna%20Blaze%20tweet.jpg" alt="" width="452" height="385">
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) approved the demolition of all but the front facade of the building.
The 100 year old music venue demolition will leave a hole in Melbourne's live music and heritage communities.
VCAT suggested by enforcing the facade is kept in tact, it is an 'acceptable compromise'.
Jinshan Investments are wanting to demolish the building and deliver a project that minimises only their return on investment, according to Melbourne Heritage.
Melbourne City Council have one final opportunity to appeal the decision. 
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Shayna Blaze blasts Melbourne developer over demolition request

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The Block renovation show, now in its 12th season, debuted last night.
Starting half an hour earlier than Ten's Australian Survivor, The Block attracted 1.074 million metro viewers, the third most-watched show of the night.
The debut episode of Australian Survivor drew 784,000 metro viewers.
Its tribal council peaked at 1.2 million viewers, the fifth most-watched show of the night behind 60 Minutes.
Seven's last night Rio Olympics coverage and the ABC's Grand Designs New Zealand were also in the Top 10 programs of Sunday.
Seven's heavily promoted Zumbo's Just Desserts debuts tonight, airing at 7.30pm in direct competition with both The Block and Australian Survivor.
 
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jonathanchancellor-7SQnKwU6yx

The Block takes the opening night desserts

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Nine's renovation reality show The Block is set for serious competition this year, as Ten have Australian Survivor, set to go to air this Sunday August 21 at 7.30pm.
Both coincide with the end of the Olympics where Channel Seven have understandably absorbed the strongest audience over the last two weeks.
Seven will attempt to hang on to some of their Olympic audience with new cooking show Zumbo's Just Desserts, which airs Monday, and could create a three-way reality battle, although whispers are that it is not likely to impress.
Australian Survivor sees 24 people marooned on the tropical island of Samoa with little more than clothes on their back.
Having to fend for themselves, the contestants must compete with each other, yet also build relationships so they don't find themselves being voted off the island.
The winner will earn half a million dollars at the end of the 55 day show.
The Block is again in Melbourne.
Lizzie Young, Nine Entertainment's director of innovation, partnership and customer experience, suggested she wasn't worried about the potential impact on The Block's performance.
“My view is The Block is the biggest reality format coming to television for the remainder of the year," she told Mumbrella.
"We absolutely believe in The Block. 
"We have complete confidence that it will deliver,” she said.
“It’s been a year and we know that Blockheads are hugely loyal fans, so that puts us in a really good position.”
The Block's grand finale audiences have been decreasing since 2010, and last year The Block posted its lowest finale audience to date, with 1.57 million tuning in for the grand final.
“We’ve spent this year addressing that and ensuring our content distribution strategy meets what the audience wants and to that end we launched 9Now, our live-streaming and video on demand product in February, and we’ve got 1.5m signed up subscribers to that product – and that means for this season of The Block it is available to the entire audience anytime, anywhere, on any device,” she said. 
</body></html>

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