It was designed by Christopher Eales in the Italianate style, built by Oliver Stone & Sons of Falmouth in granite from Trethurgy at a cost of £7,000, and was completed in 1844.

The first floor of the main market hall hosted stalls selling fruit, vegetables, poultry, butter, and general goods.

The high sheriff, Nicholas Kendall, who was supported by a detachment from the 5th (Northumberland Fusiliers) Regiment of Foot, read the riot act outside the building and 14 members of the public were arrested before the crowd dispersed.

[13][14] Although the market house was a regular venue for public meetings, after an urban district council was formed in 1894, municipal offices were established in Truro Road.

[9][16] St Austell Market Common Interest Company, established in 2007, acquired ownership of the complex in 2008.

The owners have confirmed plans to refurbish the roof,[18] and to re-open the town hall as a community events space.

Behind the front section, there are lean-to shops in the main market hall, which is open on three sides at first floor level.