In lock-down mode, the large hall is often left vacant, with the occasional community group making use of the space.

Developers have been interested in turning the building into a hotel complex, among other things, but for now it stays abandoned.

Ballarat City Council simply cleans up graffiti and fixes broken windows.

Pigeons sometimes get in the top windows at the front of the hall, and have added their own decorations to the projectionists' box.

Opened in March 1955, the Civic Hall has only changed slightly over the time.

There have been updates and extensions, but the hall was practically designed and there has been little need for change.

The symmetry of the Civic Hall is striking. The stage, stairwells, and statues have all been designed and positioned to give a feeling of evenness.

Council's facility coordinator Phillip Garvey said it was a shame the venue was not being put to better use.

"This place has got some really classic art deco in it," he said.

"I imagine people in their 50s and 60s would have some very fond memories of this place."

Debutante balls, social functions, bingo - the Civic Hall has seen it all.

Now even the bingo stalwarts have moved on after 20 years.

The wooden floor has endured a lot of use, and remains as strong as ever.

But the Civic Hall's age is starting to show. There are several long cracks in the brickwork on the exterior of the building.

Mr Garvey said any potential investor would want to have the hall closely inspected before committing themselves to developing the property.

"They are a real problem for someone trying to maintain the building," he said.