Calls have also begun to return the English Street site to one of its former tenants, the Ballarat University of the Third Age.

The historic building is vacant again after its former tenant, the GPlace consortium, vacated earlier this year after its lease ran out.

The consortium included U3A, the Ballarat Regional Multicultural Council and Mt Clear College’s VCAL program.

The site is now in the hands of liquidators after its owner, BEST Community Development, went into voluntary liquidation in 2015.

Natalie Phillips told The Courier’s Facebook page: “Turn it into a safe point for homeless. Stretcher beds or camp mats with sleeping bags. Soup bus relocated to there. I’d happily volunteer my time if that was done”.

Melissa Butterworth agreed. “House for homeless, a place for them to rest, eat and feel wanted and safe”.

Claire Bailey-Flowers suggested it could be a school museum.

“It’s old enough and has the most wonderful history. How ridiculous thinking it should be knocked down.”

Jenny Schmidt agreed. “The building should be heritage listed and it is perfectly positioned close to Sovereign Hill which would add to our tourism”.

However, others have called for it to remain the home of the University of the Third Age, which holds a wide range of courses for retirees.

Denise Grant said: “A permanent home for the near 1000 members of the University of the Third Age is really necessary. They have over 100 classes and provide activities and socialisation for older people in the community.”

Bridgit Fox agreed: “What’s wrong with leaving it to U3A to keep using it?”

Others argued for the historic building, which opened in 1875, to be retained.

Anne Brown said: “Just do something useful with it for the future, don’t knock it down. I have the best memories of going to that school”.

But others called for it to be bulldozed and made into either parkland or as a site for self-contained units for the homeless.

The school was closed in 1993 by the former Kennett state government and remained vacant until it was bought by BEST Community Development in 2007.

Since then it has been restored to its former heritage glory.