[3] The building was designed by G. Noel Hill,[2] the Manchester City Architect, and erected during 1933–37 by the contractor J. Gerrard and Sons of Swinton.

[4] The main facade on Southmill Street is faced with Portland stone and the other walls are of golden honey brick.

The foundation stone for the building was laid by Councillor Reginald Ashley Larmuth, the chairman of the Watch Committee, on 6 September 1934.

Alderman Joseph Toole JP, then the Lord Mayor of Manchester, on 16 July 1937.

[7][8][9] The building was largely demolished but the side with the Portland stone facade has been retained.