The middle to late nineteenth century was a period in which several public buildings were built in the town, including banks, halls, schools, and many Co-operative shops.

It had a multitude of uses, including public and private events, exhibitions, meetings, county courts, Local Board offices, as well as the reading rooms of the Mechanics' Institute.

[2] It was extended in 1875 to include a clock tower, and again in 1899 with the construction of a Carnegie free library to its rear (replaced by the larger present one in 1910), making New Mills one of the smallest towns in Derbyshire to operate one.

[3] Beyond its administrative functions the New Mills Town Hall is used as originally intended, for concerts, public meetings, dances, school fairs and bazaars, exhibitions, weddings and other celebrations.

In 1991, as part of the New Mills 600 celebrations, floodlighting was installed, and in 1994, following extensive roof repairs, the main hall was redecorated and the seating recovered, adding to its attractiveness as a venue.