The City of Ely Council officially took on responsibility for running The Maltings as part of a raft of responsibilities being transferred from East Cambridgeshire District Council this week.

The venue, at Ely’s Riverside, has been leased to the city council by the district on a 99 year lease, for a peppercorn rent.

An official hand over ceremony was carried out last week.

The city council has also accepted the responsibility for any future grant funding to ADeC, Ely Museum and the Shopmobility Scheme, operated by Ely Museum.

The agreement between the two authorities is designed to ensure the future of cultural activities in East Cambridgeshire, with many services understood to be facing the axe as the district council continues to seek cost savings.

Cllr James Palmer, leader of East Cambridgeshire District Council, said: “If anyone has been down to Ely’s Riverside this summer they would have found a thriving area with plenty to see and do.

“The Maltings is an important part of this picture and it has been an ambition of the district council to give the building to the local community and businesses who can best decide how it can be used in the future.

“We wish the City of Ely Council, ADeC and Ta Bouche well in the months and years to come and I am sure they will continue to bring a vibrant range of events for us all to enjoy.”