[2] Council meetings were held in the Odd Fellows Hall and the Mechanic’s Institute for a period of 26 years.

After being shown the three-roomed council chambers, the governor voiced concern that the "importance of York should quickly outgrow the accommodation of the building.

[13] The minutes of the first council meeting held in the new chambers in August 1897 state: "Before the business of the meeting was proceeded with, the Mayor Mr Dinsdale welcomed the Councillors to the new Chambers and expressed a hope that the town would advance sufficiently to warrant the erection of a Town Hall at a future date.

[citation needed] The council moved out of this building when the new York Town Hall and Chambers were completed in 1911.

[14] Joseph Herman Prunster was an original member who later served as captain of the Fire Brigade for seven years.

They recessed into a horizontal rendered band the words "Fire Station" on the front of this extension, which can be seen clearly from Avon Terrace.

The Shire of York agreed to purchase this building and entered into discussions with community groups regarding its future use.

In 1991 the Community Centre received a Lotteries Commission grant of $25,000 for restoration work including alterations to the engine room facade, replacement of ceilings and removal of skirtings.

It was the meeting place for morning tea for the Friday shopping bus, and the office of the local newspaper.

The building was sold by the Shire of York in January 2014 and purchased by the current owners in March 2015 as the home for Barclay Books.

The National Trust of Australia (WA) classified the Old Fire Station on 5 March 1985[20] for architectural technical accomplishment, historical significance and environmental importance.