The Block 2019 confirmed at another grungy St Kilda hotel

It’s confirmed: the next season of The Block will be set at another grungy budget hotel in Melbourne’s eclectic bayside suburb of St Kilda.

A Channel Nine production company forked out $10,815,000 for the former Oslo Hotel, located just a block away from the rejuvenated Gatwick.

While the deal was inked in December, the television network did not reveal the location of the 15th season until last week. It will be the seventh consecutive season filmed in Melbourne.

Channel Nine is already touting the upcoming series as the biggest yet. And in a literal sense, it might be. The Oslo Hotel is reportedly almost double the size of the Gatwick.

Built in 1859, the hotel was originally five stately Victorian residences before it was converted into budget accommodation.

The property is subject to heritage control, meaning demolitions and external alterations require planning approval.

Port Phillip council recently approved a planning application to allow the main building to be reverted into five dwellings, suggesting the tradition of five teams of contestants will continue.

It’s believed the original terrace homes are hidden behind the hotel facade, which could explain why the show’s producers have applied to partially demolish a section of the main building. Permit documents show there are also plans to add a two-storey extension to the rear of the building.

While the size and layout of each residence are not yet known, it is almost certain they will come with a hefty price tag given the significant sum Channel Nine paid for the site.

The record for the most expensive property ever sold on The Block was set in 2017 when comedian Dave Hughes dropped $3.061 million on the five-bedroom Elsternwick home renovated by Josh and Elyse, who went on to win $547,000 in prize money.

Planning permit documents show each residence at the Oslo would have two car spaces, which could be a major selling point. Prospective buyers at the Gatwick have been said to be turned off by the single car space that comes with each apartment.

The Oslo Hotel had been offering budget accommodation for as little as $18 a night.

Recent online reviews warned travellers about “filthy” facilities and broken furniture. One guest wrote on Tripadvisor it was “the worst hostel I’ve ever stayed in” while another complained that “the bedrooms are disgusting … I’ve never stayed in a dirtier place”.

Similar to the former Gatwick, the Oslo provided accommodation to the disadvantaged and downtrodden. Its closure earlier this year reignited concerns about where St Kilda’s most vulnerable residents would be housed.

Hosts Scott Cam and Shelley Craft will return next season, alongside judges Neale Whitaker, Shaynna Blaze and Darren Palmer, and foreman Keith Schleiger.

The casting call for contestants for the 2019 season has ended. A record 90,000 people applied for the 2018 season filmed at the Gatwick.