It was designed in the Italianate style "with details partaking of the Romanesque",[6] built by Joseph Briggs in buff brick with stone dressings at a cost of £1,380, and was officially opened by the mayor, John Lewis, on 23 September 1857.

The end bays contained openings flanked by pairs of Doric order pilasters supporting an entablature, a cornice and round headed pediments.

At roof level there was a parapet and a central commemorative plaque, which was inscribed with the words "Corn Exchange, Erected 1857, John Lewis Esq Mayor" and was surmounted by a round headed pediment.

[8] A serious dispute arose in 1859 when St Albans City Council sought to restrict the opening hours of the corn exchange but merchants simply broke into the building casting police officers aside.

After the war it was converted into five shop units to a very crude design, causing significant damage to the original Italianate frontage.