[2][a] In the early 20th century, Walker's son, who was also a doctor and named William, wrote to parish council from his home Buenos Aires enclosing a donation of £4,000 for the benefit of the people of Kilbirnie.

[4] The new building was designed by Robert James Walker of Glasgow in the neoclassical style, built in ashlar stone at a cost of £5,200 and was officially opened in the presence of the chairman of the parish council, John Riddet, on 9 September 1916.

The outer bays, which were slightly projected forward, featured doorways flanked by pilasters and brackets supporting entablatures surmounted by segmental pediments.

[4] In 1931, the parish council acquired an adjacent building, the Imperial Hotel, creating additional kitchen facilities for the memorial hall as well as living accommodation for its caretaker.

[8] In the 1960s, it was used a concert venue: notable performers at that time include Gerry and the Pacemakers, Bill Haley & His Comets and Dusty Springfield.