Building work has continued on the new Big Brother house in Sydney Olympic Park despite all construction being brought to a halt during the city’s Covid-19 lockdown.
Photos taken on Tuesday show a small team of workers preparing the self-contained complex for the arrival of several celebrity housemates in the coming weeks.
Daily Mail Australia understands the producers of Big Brother VIP secured an exemption to continue building work despite the lockdown.
However, the photos will be a slap in the face to Sydney tradies after NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian ordered all construction to pause from Monday until July 30 to limit the spread of coronavirus.
Special privileges? Building work has continued on the new Big Brother house in Sydney Olympic Park despite all construction being brought to a halt during the city’s Covid lockdown
In the images obtained by Daily Mail Australia, workers were seen carrying sheets of wood and working on the house’s rooftop at the new location in Homebush.
While the majority wore face masks, others had them halfway down their face as they spoke to workmates – despite lockdown rules stating they must be worn while working outdoors.
Daily Mail Australia has contacted Seven and Endemol Shine for further comment.
It’s understood that filming was originally scheduled to begin filming next month, however due to Sydney’s latest pandemic a September date has been set.
Prior to the new rules which came into play as 12:01am on Monday, Channel Seven previously confirmed that construction was underway in a Covid-safe manner.
Rules: While the majority wore face masks, others had them only halfway down their face as they spoke to their workmates – despite lockdown rules saying they must be worn while working outdoors
Work: On Tuesday, pictures obtained by Daily Mail Australia show a small team of workers transforming an area in Sydney’s Olympic Park into a self-contained complex ready for the housemate’s arrival later this year
The new Big Brother house has been approved by the local council, and will offer its VIP residents a different feel compared to the previous two seasons on Seven.
The Manly complex that housed contestants during the 2020 and 2021 seasons was demolished in January, shortly after filming wrapped late last year.
Seven hired the huge warehouse early last year to film new episodes instead of buying or renting a luxury home.
Producers were forced to find a new location after being served an eviction notice by the National Parks and Wildlife Service.
The eviction notice was issued due to concerns for local wildlife.
It’s not the first time the new series of Big Brother VIP has raised eyebrows this year.
Change: The new Big Brother house has been approved by the local council, and will offer its VIP residents a different feel compared to the previous two seasons on Seven
Work: In the images, workers were seen carrying sheets of wood and working on the building’s rooftop in the new location at Homebush
Coming soon: It’s understood that filming was originally scheduled to begin filming next month, however due to Sydney’s latest pandemic a September date has been set
New home: Producers were forced to find a new location after being served an eviction notice by the National Parks and Wildlife Service
More drama: Earlier this week, British columnist Katie Hopkins arrived Down Under to quarantine for 14 days ahead of the new season which will be hosted by Sonia Kruger (pictured)
Earlier this week, British columnist Katie Hopkins arrived Down Under to quarantine for 14 days ahead of the new season, which will be hosted by Sonia Kruger.
But the Brit was sent packing back to the UK just days after her arrival, after unveiling her plans to deliberately break the by opening her door completely naked and mask-free to workers who deliver her food.
Her actions caused national fury, with many lashing out that she was able to fly over to Australia while many citizens are still stuck overseas.
However, a Home Affairs spokeswoman told news.com.au that Ms Hopkins did not take the place of Australians desperate to return to their home country.
‘These travel exemptions were approved based on support by the NSW Government as they met the critical skills category for inwards travel,’ she said.
‘These travellers did not take the place of returning Australians as their travel was above the hotel quarantine caps.’
Gone: Katie Hopkins was sent packing back to the UK just days after her arrival Down Under, after unveiling her plans to deliberately break the by opening her door completely naked and mask-free to workers who deliver her food