The Block 2014 shifts from South Melbourne to former Dux cinema Albert Park warehouse conversion
Drama returns to a huge red brick warehouse in O'Grady Street, Albert Park which is set to be the location of the next Channel 9 The Block reality renovation show.
It's the site of one of the former Dux cinemas in the early 1900s as well as previously being a former Presbyterian Church. According to the Sands and McDougall Directories, the building became warehouses following World War II and has most recently been used as an office.
The building has been bought by the producers of the series, Watercress Productions for $5.85 million from Alston Post Pty Ltd, a company associated with Lloyd Williams, the Melbourne property developer. It previously sold in 2007 at $5.61 million.
Dux House is a 1176 square metre building at 47 O'Grady Street which was offered as an office commercial building or development opportunity through Cayzer Real Estate and Gross Wardell.
The Williams company sought VCAT permission allowing the warehouse to be extended and refitted as six large dwellings over four levels in 2010.
The Allan Powell-architect designed warehouse proposal was opposed by the Port Phillip Council over its height, density and appearance which it said "represented a significant and unacceptable visual intrusion into the surrounding historic neighbourhood".
The 607 square metre property is located on the southeast corner of O’Grady Street and Gray Lane.
The building has wall heights of eight metres and a ridge height of approximately 11 metres.
The building was designed by architects Messers Ashworth and Oakley of Collins Street, Melbourne. Ashworth was a South Melbourne Councillor from 1898 to 1901 and an MLA 1902-1904.
The building façade has been altered over time and currently features large non-original windows.
