If you are over 40 you may – or may not – remember going to these restaurants and nightclubs, depending on how you behaved.

But for the last decade, at least, the historic former Baptist church in Dawson Street South has sat empty and decaying, an eyesore and a haven for pigeons.

Now the hoardings have gone up and the neglected Ballarat icon is undergoing a major restoration.

Project manager for the developer Legion X Marc Sinclair says the building had suffered badly through the years, with major alterations damaging the interior.

He says even at these early stages of restoration, over 60 cubic metres of dirt and dust have been removed.

Mr Sinclair says he has been working closely with Heritage Victoria to ensure the work done converting the building to an upmarket B&B is consistent with the historic features that need to be maintained, such as the original baptismal bath.

The work is being filmed for the ABC TV series Restoration Australia.