[3][4] The new building, which was designed by John Henry Abbey in the Classical style, was completed in two stages; the stone was from Crosland Moor and the carving was sculpted by Thomas Stocks of Berry Brow.

[5] The northern part of the building, which included the municipal offices, was officially opened by Alderman Joseph Woodhead, the mayor, on 26 June 1878.

[1] The southern part, which included the concert hall and the magistrates' court, was opened by Alderman Thomas Denham, the then-mayor, in October 1881.

[10] The town hall continued to be used as a public venue and concert performers included the contralto singer, Kathleen Ferrier, who made an appearance on 21 December 1945.

[11] Princess Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh visited the town hall and waved to the crowd from the balcony on 26 July 1949.