A secret $11 million Mornington Peninsula mega-structure has finally been unmasked as the high-stakes engine room for The Block 2026.
Channel 9 has secured 1.35ha at 109 Old Mornington Rd, Mt Eliza for its 22nd season, locking in one of the show’s biggest site plays yet.
Speculation reached fever pitch among locals after a massive shed-like structure began rising on the property.
Residents were convinced hardware giant Bunnings was building a private warehouse on-site for the first time.
A source close to production confirmed to News Corp Australia the mega-structure will operate as both an on-site Bunnings hub and a filming studio.
“People love a conspiracy,” the source said.
“But the reality is good television runs on logistics. For a renovation series filmed at speed in Mount Eliza, a purpose-built on-site base is required.”
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The Block’s $11m Mount Eliza deal
Speculation reached fever pitch among locals after a massive shed-like structure began rising on the property. Picture: Reddit/r/TheBlock
Residents were convinced hardware giant Bunnings was building a private warehouse on-site for the first time.
A source confirmed the mega-structure will operate as both an on-site Bunnings hub and a filming studio. Picture: Reddit/r/TheBlock
The shed will host room reveals and challenges, while acting as the operational centre where sets are built and scores delivered to contestants.
The high-stakes move comes after last year’s auction disaster.
An industry insider previously said the Mt Eliza call was driven by a need to win back prestige buyers who “do not forgive gimmicks”.
“Last year’s Block auctions were a flop,” the insider said.
“Several homes failed to sell and it was a disaster. I don’t think we’ll see a repeat of that this year.”
The Block will begin filming in Mt Eliza next month, with work already starting to set the scene for the hit show after last year’s Daylesford auction flop. Picture: Supplied.
The Block’s Mt Eliza build site at 109 Old Mornington Rd, where filming is set to begin next month. Picture: Supplied.
Host Scott Cam in a new promo for The Block 2026, set to air on Channel 9 later this year. Picture: Nine.
Five teams of Blockheads will renovate five luxury homes on the site, with each property tipped to command about $5 million once completed.
Construction is nearing completion. The 2026 cast has been finalised over the past two months but names remain under wraps.
PropTrack data shows Mt Eliza has a median house price of $1.65m for the year to January 2026. The suburb peaked near $1.8m during the Covid-19 era surge.
Block judge and Whitefox director Marty Fox said the location significantly lifted buyer expectations.
“This is the first time The Block has had genuine ocean views,” Mr Fox said.
“Mount Eliza is a true lifestyle market. Location is the trump card.”
Nine confirmed filming will run from March 9 until May 31. The season is expected to air on Channel 9 later this year.
— Additional reporting by David Bonaddio
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