Nine Network GTV-9

Studio Nine apartments in Bendigo Street Richmond in the former GTV 9 studios which were redeveloped after the television station moved to Bourke Street in Docklands in February 2011 with large productions such as The Footy Show using the nearby Docklands film studios. The building was first constructed in 1909 as the Wertheim Piano factory for the Wertheim family's business which dates back to the 1870's selling imported sewing machines and bicycles as well as pianos. Local manufacturing at the Richmond site was established due to strong demand for pianos in the years before radio in Australia. The factory's foundation stone was laid by Prime Minister Alfred Deakin during a period when the Commonwealth Government was promoting local manufacturing. Production was initially strong but waned during the 1920's when radio was established and became the main source of home entertainment. The factory finally succumb to the Great Depression and closed in 1935. In 1955 Heinz sold the site to the General Television Corporation, one of the successful bidders for the first four commercial television licences (two in Sydney and Melbourne). GTV was initially owned by newspapers The Argus, The Age, radio stations 3XY, 3UZ and 3KZ in addition to theatre chains Hoyts and Greater Union and Electronic Industries among others. Test transmissions on VHF channel 9 began in September 1956 and it covered the Melbourne Olympic Games as part of its test programs (as well as stations HSV 7 and ABV 2 which had opened just prior to the games). GTV 9 finally opened on 19 January 1957 by Victorian Governor Sir Dallas Brooks, ironically the same day The Argus ceasing publication. GTV 9 Melbourne and TCN 9 Sydney formed Australia's first commercial television network in 1960 when TCN owner Australian Consolidated Press bought out the station – as a result of foreign ownership restrictions resulting from the British Pye buying out local Electronic Industries. The studios were referred to as 'Television City' producing shows such as In Melbourne Tonight, The Graham Kennedy Show, The Don Lane Show, The Bert Newton Show, Hey Hey It's Saturday, The Footy Show and Sale of the Century among many others. Colour PAL test transmissions commenced in October 19, 1974 with full time colour commencing March 1, 1975. Digital DVB-T broadcasting commenced on VHF Channel 8 on January 1, 2001 with analogue on channel 9 shut down on December 10, 2013. Lendlease delivered GTV 9 Apartments along with the restoration of the heritage façade. ​ Watertite (originally as Ultratite) installed membranes to balconies, Roofs and Podium over carpark The project was completed in June 2015.