[1] The building was commissioned with the objective of "improving the conditions of life for the inhabitants" and was financed by public subscription.

The central block of three bays, which was slightly projected forward, was fenestrated by tripartite cusped windows within recessed arches on the ground floor and by bipartite cusped windows reaching up into the gables on the first floor.

The right-hand section of two bays contained another arched doorway and was fenestrated by lancet windows on both floors.

[7] The building was also used for public events: speakers included the campaigner for women's suffrage, Elizabeth Wolstenholme and her partner, Benjamin Elmy, in November 1872.

[8] The use of the building as a corn exchange declined significantly in the wake of the Great Depression of British Agriculture in the late 19th century.