sentences:  In 1975, Victorian premier Rupert Hamer established a Public Inquiry which heard evidence from all parties, and concluded the Regent should be saved as a theater and concert venue associated with the City Square, to the displeasure of the City Council.He then offered up to $2 million in interest free loans to restore and maintain it, but nothing eventuated.In 1979 the National Trust reversed its stance and classified the theatre (and later successfully nominated it to the Victorian Heritage Register in 1988, and then upgraded its classification to National level after the restoration).