[2] Following significant population growth in the Strathaven area in the late 19th century, largely associated with the weaving and brewing industries,[3] a group of local businessmen decided to form a company, known as the "Strathaven Public Hall Company", to finance and commission a new public hall for the town.

[4][5] A memorial stone was laid by Lieutenant Colonel Robert King Stewart, Grand Master of the Middle Ward of Lanarkshire,[6] with full masonic rites, on 2 November 1895.

[7] The new building was designed by Alexander Cullen in the Baroque Revival style, built in red sandstone with ashlar dressings and was completed in 1896.

The second bay on the left featured a recessed doorway with a fanlight and a Gibbs surround formed by rusticated Doric order columns supporting an open pediment and a small wrought iron balcony bearing the monogram "SPH".

[2] The building operated as a community events venue showing films and hosting dances for much of the 20th century until it closed in 1969.