Following significant population growth, largely associated with the mining industry, a local board of health was established in Ashton-in-Makerfield in 1872.

[1][2] The board immediately set about commissioning a municipal building for the town: the site they selected was on the west side of Bryn Street.

[3] The new building was designed by Henry Ridsdale of Rainhill in the Victorian style, built in red brick at a cost of £2,800 and was completed in 1876.

The third bay on the left featured a squared headed doorway surmounted by a stone carved with the words "Town Hall" and a segmental shaped hood mould.

[10] The new council continued to use the building for the delivery of local services until it was deemed surplus to requirements and marketed for sale.