WITH an air of uncertainty surrounding the future of Stroud’s Subscription Rooms, Emily Webber takes a look back at the history of the iconic venue.

Stroud’s very own arts and entertainment venue has hosted a variety of events since the day of its opening in October 1834.

From exhibitions of local painters to workshops for children, as well as numerous classes and concerts, the Sub Rooms are a constant hub of activity for the Stroud community.

Taking a look back at its history provides an insight into 19th century Stroud, as well as an explanation as to how the building became known as ‘The Subscription Rooms’.

With the implementation of The Reform Act 1832 the Borough of Stroud was formally created.

The significant new status this awarded the town was recognised by the gentry, who decided that a new public building should be erected.

Plans were then formulated by William Henry Hyett, a hopeful Member of Parliament candidate at the time, who began to attract Subscriptions of £50 a share towards the new building and its construction site.

A sense of local pride seems to have driven the construction of the rooms, with the majority of the recorded subscribers being local millowners, shopkeepers and tradesmen.

Kendrick’s Orchard was considered a suitable spot by these Subscribers and three years later, after expenses of £2,721 and 10 shillings which is equivalent to about £2million today, the Stroud Subscriptions Rooms were completed.

In the first year of the new building opening a number of successful events are recorded, including a political dinner party attended by 520 guests as well as a circus on the forecourt.

The public rooms became the centre of the town’s social and intellectual life and notably the building was utilized during both World War periods.

The rooms used to hold the election count and the announcement of new member of parliament was also made there with many people gathering outside on the forecourt eagerly awaiting the result.

Restoration was required imminently by the late 1950s but the shareholders simply didn’t have the funds to complete the work.

Ownership was then transferred to what was then called the Stroud Urban District Council in 1962 for the price of £12,000.

Last year Stroud District Council decided that they could no longer afford to run the Sub Rooms as the estimated cost was around £400,000 per year.

There a currently three options for the building’s future; transferral to a community group, to be sold on the open market, or kept under SDC control.

The building was placed on the market at £600,000 and interest has been shown by several groups and companies.

One of the groups which have formed is the Subs Community Association. This was started by members of the public who wish to see the Sub Rooms remain as it is now.

However, it is shaping up to be a David vs Goliath Battle they will face stiff opposition from bigger companies such as Ecotricity who have already expressed an interest in purchasing the well-known venue.