[3][4] The new building was designed by Richard Rolt Brash in the Italianate style, built in brick with a cement render and was officially opened by the duke on 9 October 1863.

The layout involved a central block, which was two-storeys high, flanked by a pair of single-storey wings, which were projected forward.

The central block of three bays featured a short flight of steps leading up to a round headed doorway with a fanlight, an architrave and a keystone.

The wings of three bays each were fenestrated by round headed windows separated by pilasters supporting a frieze and a modillioned cornice.

[7] The buildings was also used for public events: the politician and author, William Joseph O'Neill Daunt, gave a lecture on the life and career of the anti-poverty campaigner, Richard Grattan, in the town hall in August 1874.