Town Hall

The Town Hall, located on Raby Road in Hartlepool, is a municipal building completed in 1897, designed by H.A. Cheers. It is constructed of red engineering brick with sandstone ashlar dressings and features a Lakeland slate roof topped with a copper dome. The building has a long cruciform shape with a symmetrical gabled end facing the road, designed in the Gothic style and adorned with extensive carvings.

The main structure consists of two tall storeys and includes one wide bay situated between narrow octagonal battlemented turrets that have small spires. A projecting battlemented porch features gabled pilasters that frame a multi-moulded, four-centred-arched entrance with carved spandrels. The entrance is complemented by wrought iron screen gates, panelled doors, and a traceried overlight. Above the entrance, there is a large five-light traceried window and a pointed-arched tympanum that is carved with the County Borough arms.

The building showcases bands and strings that are closely set in a shaped gable, which is topped with griffin finials. The battlemented aisles have canted angles below short, shaped spires that are adorned with decorative copper finials. Additionally, there are pointed-arched entrances that are also canted. Small extruded chambers are located between the aisles and the hall, as well as between the hall and the porch. The steeply-pitched roof features a square, louvred wooden bellcote with an ogee dome and finial. The returns of the building display transept-like projections with paired gables in a similar style, while the rear extension is plainer and serves educational purposes.