There were no bidders at Saturday’s auction of the Slovenian Twin-City Club, save for the vendor’s offer of $400,000.

“It wouldn’t have been this quiet in its heyday of bocce tournaments,” auctioneer William Bonnici said, as the 30-strong crowd remained silent.

Wodonga’s Bonnici and Associates First National agent Doug Sanderson was undeterred, blaming a lack of awareness, given the time of year.

“It was disappointing — there were registered bidders,” he said.

“But with the holiday season, I think a lot of developers just haven’t seen it yet — it’s still a well-kept secret.

“It’s just a matter of people seeing it.”

The 3036-square-metre property at 234-242 Olive Street, Albury, was put on the market later that day for $510,000 and Mr Sanderson said he was negotiating with interested parties.

The 1970s, 255 square-metre brick clubhouse has a function area — with parquetry dance floor for 150 people — a kitchen, bar and toilets.

There’s also an under cover area that was the bocce area.

Mr Sanderson said while the property’s three titles made it appealing for subdivision, it could just as easily suit a community group.

Spokeswoman for the South Albury Community Group Ordette Mannering said she was pleased the property remained unsold and she hoped a community group would buy it.

“We would support a like-minded community group taking over the club,” she said.

“Such an owner may like to develop the site as a multipurpose community centre, still allowing the Slovenian community to enjoy their meetings and functions.”

Ms Mannering said while South Albury needed a community centre, her group had not talked to the council about buying this property.

The centre is owned by its members.

Mr Sanderson said they were getting older and there’s “no next generation coming through”.