Civic Hall

The Civic Hall, completed in 1933, is by E Vincent Harris. It is constructed of Portland stone with slate roofs. The building follows a V-shaped plan, accommodating a roughly triangular site with the southern corner truncated, and a main facade facing a downhill square.

The two-storey main facade, with a recessed attic storey, features seven large sash windows with glazing bars. The ground floor windows have Gibbs architraves with alternating triangular and segmental pediments, and a balustraded parapet. A large portico is present, supported by giant Corinthian columns and featuring a pediment displaying the coat of arms. Flanking the portico are small, pedimented pavilions with arches. Set back above these are tall, Renaissance (Wren-style) towers, with Corinthian columns at the corners of the first stage, featuring round-headed openings. Above this is a pedimented bell stage, topped with obelisk spires terminating in gilded owls.

The side returns are five storeys high, with fifteen bays each. The first floor is rusticated with round-headed windows. A gilded clock is located on a bracket at third-floor level, beneath the towers.

The interior displays impressive original decoration and detailing throughout the entrance hall, reception areas, assembly hall, council chamber, and committee rooms. A long reception hall features painted columns, a cruciform plan at the north end, and a tunnel vault repeated in the side corridors. A fine divided staircase is located at the north end. A rear entrance to the reception room has end fireplaces, a mirrored overmantel, and a chandelier from the former Town Hall. The Council Chamber has an oval seating plan, tall small-paned windows above plaques listing past Council members, a plain ceiling, a cornice with roundels and shields, and galleries reached by stone stairs. The main staircase leads to a fine reception area and meeting room with pilasters and Classical detailing.

Historian Nikolaus Pevsner described the building as ambitious, exhibiting originality and courage. The architect also designed Sheffield City Hall, completed in 1934.