The Town Hall, surmounted by a clock which had been donated by Sir George Wigram Allen, was completed along with a Council Clerk's residence at the rear, and opened on 24 June 1880 by Mayor Thomas Dunn, with The Sydney Morning Herald noting its appearance thus:[5] "It is elevated, and most suitable for a public building of this class, having three frontages — an important feature for architectural appearance.

The style of architecture is Italian, the principal front, to St. John's Road, being divided into three bays by means of quoins, &c., and the central feature is bold portico, approached by a flights of steps, which adds greatly to the general appearance of the design."

The new additions were located on the Mount Vernon Street side of the original building and consisted of new Council Chambers and meeting room on the ground floor.

[1] The hall remained under the control of Leichhardt until 8 May 2003, when a further boundary change transferred large parts of Glebe and Forest Lodge back to the City of Sydney.

[8] The extensive restorations included a new Welsh slate roof, reconstruction of damaged parapets and finials, the reinstatement of the original natural ventilation system.

[9] On its reopening, Moore noted that "The City’s restoration has transformed the building into an accessible and sustainable community venue with modern facilities, while also highlighting its unique heritage features [...] The elegant rooms of the hall have played host to social and civic events throughout Glebe’s history, from wartime balls and evening concerts, to debating clubs and political meetings.