Towering above the main street in the New South Wales country town of Yass is an art deco treasure with a peeling facade and a storied history.

Designed in an 'ocean liner' style, the 700-seat Liberty Theatre opened in 1939 with great fanfare.

For 35 years the cinema was a cultural hub, hosting everything from comedies to thrillers, news reels and even banking services.

The theatre's lounge became a popular spot for couples taking their wedding photos.

But the cinema screened its final movie in 1974, unable to compete with the growing popularity of television.

"It's had so many iterations since the cinema closed,"

lifelong local Janno Scanes said.

"It's been offices, it's been a skating rink.

"You name it, it's been here — but nothing ever lasted very long."

'Huge job' ahead

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