Following significant population growth, largely associated with its status as a seaside resort, a local board was formed in Paignton in 1863.

[1] In 1867, the local decided to commission a building to serve as a public office, police station, sessions house and assembly room.

[3] As well as being the location for weekly petty session hearings,[4] the town hall also served as the meeting place for the local masonic lodge.

[7] During the Second World War, it operated as the local sub-station for the purposes of controlling air raid precautions against German bombing.

[10][11][12] As well as being used for municipal purposes it also served as a public events venue: the rock band, the Gods, performed there in November 1967.