Offices plan for historic city building

THE Maltings Cottage could soon become the city council’s new offices under plans being discussed by officials.

THE Maltings Cottage could soon become the city council’s new offices under plans being discussed by officials.

Mayor of Ely John Yates and fellow city councillors agreed this week to put in a proposal to move the city council from its premises in Market Street down to the Grade II listed Maltings Cottage, on Ely’s Riverside.

The dilapidated building, which has been at the centre of public debate for many months, had previously been earmarked for holiday lets until business leaders and residents called for the building to be made available for public use.

Cllr Yates told the Ely Standard: “We are about to discuss the proposals with the district council, which is the owner of the building.

“We would like to move the City of Ely Council offices into the building, occupying and renovating the entire first floor, a reception and one other room. We have investigated it and we think it is feasible.”

Cllr Yates added that any additional space could be used as a visitors centre or for retail ventures, such as an ice cream parlour.

The proposals were submitted to the district council on Thursday, with Cllr Yates confident that a decision could be made early in the new year.

“If all goes according to plan we could have something up and running by the summer,” he added.

The news comes just months after the city’s authority had plans for new premises at Ely Cemetery, on New Barns Road, rejected by planning officers for being unsuitable for the area.

The council is looking to move due to an anticipated increase in services offered in the coming years as power is potentially devolved down and the number of residents increases.