While the paint is still mostly stripped back on the 1883 building's façade, repainting has begun on the north side of the tower.

Currently the Italianate tower is a mixture of blackened base layer and a pale blue coloured undercoat but the whole facade will be returned to its heritage white.

It is being refurbished as part of St John of God's centenary celebrations, and is on track to be completed by the end of the year.

"The refurbishment is going to plan, it's progressing well and on time," said hospital CEO Michael Krieg.

The Catholic Church bought the building in 1915 for 4000 pounds, after it had lain empty for several years.

Locals at the time stayed away, because of rumours it was haunted, following owner William Bailey's death inside in 1906.

The building recently underwent a four-year structural renovation, so this work is cosmetic, and staff say the process has not been disruptive.

The building, sitting proudly in front of the hospital's new main building, houses the executive offices, Ballarat Cancer Care and Notre Dame University's Ballarat clinical school.