[1] Following significant population growth, largely associated with clothing manufacturing, Hebden Bridge became an urban district in 1894.

[2] In this context the new civic leaders decided to procure a town hall: the site they selected was on the west bank of the Hebden Water.

[1] Internally, the principal room was the council chamber, which featured wooden panelling, on the first floor.

[7] The building, which was subsequently underused, began to deteriorate: however, a not-for-profit entity, Hebden Bridge Community Association, was formed and went on to acquire the building on a 40-year lease (subsequently extended to 125 years), along with sufficient funds to carry out basic maintenance work, on 1 April 2010.

[9] The works, which were carried to a design by Bauman Lyons, involved the construction of a modern structure for community and business use: the new development which cost £3.7 million was named the Waterfront Hall and opened in August 2012.