[1][3] It was designed in the Victorian style, built in red brick with stone dressings and was officially opened in 1897.

The central bay was flanked by full-height brick columns and surmounted by a gable.

[8] The building ceased to be local seat of government when the enlarged Haltemprice Urban District Council was formed in 1935.

[9] After the Second World War, the building was restored and re-opened by the Deputy-Secretary of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, Sir John Wrigley, in 1948.

[10] Following the local government reorganisation in 1974,[11] ownership of the building was transferred to Beverley Borough Council.