Mid Suffolk District Council (MSDC) has unveiled a new arts, theatre and music venue at Wingfield Barns near Eye, Suffolk, after acquiring the site from Arts Council England (ACE) last year for £1.

A Grade II-listed timber-framed barn, dating back to 1537, is at the heart of the site, which has been restored to provide a number of workshops, a studio, artists' residential accommodation and offices. Opened on 3 April, Wingfield Barns is now also set to play host to a major programme of events, including arts exhibitions, music, film and school visits, while also being available for hire as a conference, meeting and wedding venue.

It is hoped that the new facilities will enable artists, students and local children with a range of opportunities to take part in performing art, with an interim management board comprising councillors and local residents set up to manage the Barns in the short-term. MSDC portfolio holder for cultural and community services, Diana Kearsley, said: "This new venture will provide something for everyone, as well as a perfect setting for the performing arts.

"Wingfield Barns have studios to enable school children and students a wonderful chance to be involved in practical art and related work, together with galleries for displaying their work."