[3] The facility, which was designed by Sir Arnold Thornely in the classical style and built of Portland stone at a cost of was £148,697, was officially opened by the Prince of Wales on 14 December 1933.

[1] The design included a large Corinthian distyle with pilasters on the first and second floors of the building[1] as well as a 44 metres (144 ft) high three-stage reducing central tower,[4] incorporating a public clock by Gillett & Johnston.

[5] George Orwell, in his book The Road to Wigan Pier, was highly critical of this expenditure, and said that the council should have spent the money on improving the housing and living conditions of the local miners.

[7][8] Exhibits put on display include a 5,000 year old axe head which was found at the Scout Dyke Reservoir near Penistone in the 1920s.

[9] The war memorial in front of the building, which predates the town hall, was sculpted by John Tweed and was unveiled at a ceremony attended by General Sir Charles Harington on 11 October 1925.