Leigh Town Hall

Leigh Town Hall is a town hall built between 1904 and 1907 by J. C. Prestwich. It is constructed of ashlar stone with a slate roof and features a large U-shaped design that is two and three stories high. The principal elevations have eight bays facing Market Place and seven bays facing Market Street, showcasing an Edwardian Baroque style.

The central doorway is flanked by bays two to eight, which are symmetrical and framed by giant flat pilasters that support a modillioned cornice and blocking course. The doorway is topped with an open semi-circular dentilled pediment held up by blocked columns. There are two windows on either side of the door, each with architraves and keystones. The first floor features the council chamber and committee rooms, highlighted by a giant order of blocked columns and tall windows. The roof is steeply pitched and hipped, crowned by a belvedere and an elaborate cupola.

The Market Street elevation, while less monumental, maintains a symmetrical design with gabled end bays and bow windows at the first floor. The ground floor has shop fronts, the first floor features a giant order of flat pilasters, and the second floor has triple windows separated by blocked columns. An octagonal turret marks the corner of the building.

Inside, the quality and richness continue with scagliola columns supporting the entrance hall, which leads to the imperial staircase, the council chamber, and offices. The timber, glass, and plasterwork throughout are of particularly high quality. Overall, Leigh Town Hall is an accomplished design that significantly enhances its immediate surroundings.