For the next 200 years, the old monastic building continued to serve as Reading's town hall, but by the 18th century it was suffering from structural weakness.

The new hall was designed by Alderman Charles Poulton, a cabinet maker by trade, and is today largely hidden behind later extensions.

[1][4][11] In 1875, an extension and new frontage was designed in Victorian Gothic style by the architect Alfred Waterhouse, involving partial demolition of the 1780s building but retaining the core hall.

The new frontage was built with red and grey bricks, together with terracotta ornaments, all of which were products of the town's Colliers' brickworks.

This extension added a council chamber and offices to the building, and the clock tower over its entrance (which is still a distinctive Reading landmark).

[12] Alfred Waterhouse was subsequently asked to design a further extension including a new concert hall, museum and library, but this was thought too expensive.

[1][11][13] A gala ball and a cabaret were held in the town hall that year as part of the borough's fund raising efforts for Wings for Victory Week.