The Neoclassical building was designed by Edward Horsey and constructed by builders Scobell and Tossell.

[1] Alternation after 1874 fire by John Power added the dome tower.

The front of the structure features the Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom.

In October 2011, the Shafia family murders trial began to be heard at this courthouse.

The largest courtroom in the courthouse was rewired to add flat-screen televisions and two soundproof booths for real-time translation by interpreters via headphones.