Stroud District Council is inviting bids for a 30 year lease on the town's iconic Subscription Rooms.

Councillors had originally intended to sell the Grade II listed building but scrapped that idea last year.

Ecotricity, which has its headquarters in Stroud, had wanted to buy the building, using it for staff but also maintaining its use by the public.

Now the council, which cannot afford to run the building dating back to 1833, is looking for someone to lease the building instead.

The leaseholder will be expected to run the venue for public arts, community use and entertainment and offers from community organisations, individuals and companies are being sought.

Stroud district councillor Doina Cornell said: "We are looking for organisations and people who would like to develop the Sub Rooms as an exciting venue for the 21st century.

"There is a growing arts and leisure economy in Stroud district which we want to see expand. We hope interested parties will work together with the local community to develop the best possible options for the future".

So what do you get for your money?

The detached property is of Cotswold stone construction with a three storey brick extension to the rear. To the front is a grand portico with stone columns.

It has large meeting rooms on the ground floor, café and toilets. But the main feature is the large open plan ballroom which can accommodate 450 people with adjacent balcony and access onto the roof.

There is also a bar and on the second flood several dressing rooms, office, store and WCs.

Anyone interested in submitting an offer should contact Robert Smith at Bruton Knowles on 01452 880000 robert.smith@brutonknowles.co.uk

Information can also be found at www.stroud.gov.uk/subroomsreview

Offers must be made by March 5, 2018.

The Sub Rooms were built in 1833 through public subscription - hence the name. Ownership transferred from shareholders to the local authority in the 1960s.