Stroud's iconic Subscription Rooms have been handed over to new owners today, marking an historic moment for the landmark entertainment venue.

Stroud District Council handed over the keys to the arts centre to Stroud Town Council and the Stroud Subscriptions Rooms Trust in a move that will see the Sub Rooms stay in public ownership.

The Town Council and Trust have also simultaneously completed a lease agreement, to allow the Trust to start running the Sub Rooms.

Stroud District Council leader, Councillor Doina Cornell (lab), Green group leader Martin Whiteside and Liberal Democrat leader Ken Tucker issued a joint statement to mark the "historic moment."

It said: "After a lot of consultation, negotiation and hard work by officers and councillors from both councils and the Trustees, Stroud Subscription Rooms will remain a publicly owned asset at the heart of the community.

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"We would like to thank our staff who have carried on as normal during what has been a period of some uncertainty for them, and I wish them, the Trust and the Town Council every success for the future."

The building will celebrate its 185th birthday in October and Stroud District Council is investing up to £125,000 in to roof repairs plus giving a one-off grant of £230,000 to help the Trust get off to a sound start.

The Town Council has earmarked £83,000 for costs around the transfer and new equipment.

The business and staff have been transferred direct to the Trust as well as fixtures and fittings valued at around £20,000.

Applications for Listed Building and Planning consent have been submitted.

Work is due to start in August on the first phase of improvement works starting with a new bar and café on the ground floor with a new kitchen, a more accessible bar upstairs and an improved access ramp.

Stroud Town Mayor Kevin Cranston added: "In March 2018 we launched a campaign asking people to pledge money to carry out improvements to the Sub Rooms.

"Nearly £50,000 was pledged and donations have already exceeded £24,000. We now need people to honour those pledges so that the works can go ahead."

Hugh Phillimore and Alex Cowan, joint chairs of the Trust, said: "We are looking forward to a new and exciting future at the Subs, with a wide programme of events. For upcoming events please visit our brand-new website www.thesubrooms.co.uk."