The town hall was built in 1886-87, to a design by Alfred Barham Black and H. E. Hughes.

At that time, the building was reported to have structural problems, including issues with asbestos and "substantial cracking in the walls due to movement of the original footing".

It had previously been reported to have problems with subsiding side walls and a crumbling facade, which had necessitated the erection of a verandah to protect pedestrians.

[9][11] Local state Liberal MP Dan van Holst Pellekaan has supported removing the heritage listing from all of the site except the facade, supporting retaining only the facade of the town hall amidst a general redevelopment of the site.

The Port Augusta Boxing Club returning to a renovated space in the building, with a wider masterplan still in negotiation.