[2] In the early 1830s, the mayor, Arthur Atherley,[3] facilitated an arrangement whereby Bernard Howard, 12th Duke of Norfolk would commission a new town hall for the borough in return for the borough giving up its interest in the Fitzalan Chapel, which formed the chancel of the Church of St Nicholas in the western grounds of Arundel Castle.

[2] The new building was designed by Robert Abraham in the Norman style, built in knapped flint with galleting and ashlar finishings and was opened in time for a civic meeting in March 1838.

The central section of three bays was formed a loggia with a parapet on the ground floor; on the first floor, the central section was deeply recessed, fenestrated by round headed windows which were flanked by columns supporting architraves, and decorated with panels above the windows containing carvings.

[2][4][5] In the mid-19th century, the town hall was occasionally used as a theatre and actors who performed there included the Shakespearean player, Ira Aldridge, in January 1847.

[9] The Arundel Museum was established in the basement of the town hall in 1964 and remained there until it relocated to the former borough council offices at 61 High Street some 13 years later.