[1] Following significant population growth, largely associated with the mining industry, a local board of health was established in Felling in 1868.

[2] The local board established its offices in the committee rooms of the Felling Store Co-operative Society before relocating to 4 Wesley Terrace in 1873.

[6] It was designed by the council surveyor, Henry Miller, in the Baroque Revival style, built by John Wilkinson in rubble masonry with ashlar stone dressings and was officially opened on 2 March 1903.

[13][14] The building subsequently served as the area offices for Gateshead Borough Council's housing department, and was grade II listed in 1985.

[7] The arms of the former council in the pediment above the door feature a flaming torch, the crest of the Brandling family, which owned the local collieries.