[1] The building, which was designed by John Bowden in the Neoclassical style, was first used in 1816, although it was not fully completed until 1817.

[2][3] The design involved a symmetrical main frontage facing the Bishop Street; the central section featured a tetrastyle portico with Ionic order columns supporting a frieze and a pediment.

[1] A carving depicting the Royal coat of arms was installed at the apex of the pediment and statues depicting Justice and Peace carved by Edward Smyth were erected above the end bays.

[1] Architectural critic, Ian Nairn, described it as "Derry's best Georgian building" in The Listener in December 1961, having regard to the high quality white sandstone which was brought locally from Dungiven to build it.

[10] It led to concerns that former members of the Provisional IRA were constructing bombs for the dissidents.