The Block executive producer Julian Cress won’t comment on whether the 2018 season will feature six teams at The Gatwick.

The Nine show is already undertaking preliminary work at the St. Kilda site ahead of filming, due to begin in January. That’s much earlier than recent seasons which have proven bitterly chilly for cast & crew, and suggests the show will be on air earlier in 2018 (straight out of Commonwealth Games perhaps?).

Development plans indicate 6 apartments in the historic building (earlier reports suggested 8), which could indicate 6 teams, or 5 with all of them charged with 1 final apartment together. Producers rarely like to give much away for fear contestants will come informed and prepared.

“The challenge that they have will be harder than ever, as always,” Cress told Fairfax. “We like to keep a few surprises up our sleeves for the contestants.”

The Nine show is back in the City of Port Phillip which has been supportive of the show in previous seasons in South Melbourne, Albert Park and Port Melbourne.

According to plans designed by Brenchley Architects, two of the apartments will have two bedrooms, while six will have three bedrooms.

The existing roof will be partly demolished, with a new top storey level built to house two rooftop apartments.

The first and second floor apartments will feature “winter garden” style balconies within glass louvre windows, and the building’s car park will have six car spaces and bicycle parking.

But there will be limited change to the historic exterior while producers have worked with a team of heritage consultants to retain some the building’s iconic elements, including internal panelling, parquetry and balustrades.

“We’re not doing anything significant to the exterior facade of the building except make it look new again.”

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