[7] In the early 1930s, civic leaders proceeded to commission the first part of the main complex, the eastern block of the current structure, which was intended to serve as a public library.

The new building was designed by Cordingley & McIntyre in the Neo-Georgian style, built in brown brick and Portland stone at a cost of £27,000, and was officially opened on 10 April 1935.

The central section of three bays, which was slightly recessed and faced in Portland stone, featured a flight of steps leading up to a square headed doorway flanked by brackets supporting a modillioned cornice.

The outer bays of the central section were fenestrated by tall casement windows flanked by pairs of Tuscan order columns supporting a cornice, a large entablature containing a semi-circular feature above the doorway, and a parapet.

[14] There is also a bust, sculpted by Clare Sheridan, of the electrical engineer, Guglielmo Marconi, who established the New Street Works in Chelmsford in 1912.