It was designed by Thomas Bird in the Italianate style, built in red brick with stone dressings and was officially opened on 5 January 1855.

The central section of three bays, which was slightly projected forward, featured a doorway with a fanlight flanked by pilasters supporting an entablature with triglyphs.

[5] The architectural historian, Nikolaus Pevsner also liked the additional ornamentation, observing that "austerity is offset by the delicate iron porte-cochère in front of the central entrance.

[9] The future Prime Minister, Winston Churchill, addressed a meeting of the Free Trade League in the town hall during the 1906 general election.

[10] The town hall was also used by the Jewish Community for Zionist bazaars and similar events,[11][12] and, in January 1937, it was the venue for a large meeting of members of the British Union of Fascists.