Paxton Suite And Attached Railings

The Paxton Suite, originally a theatre and now a conference centre, was built in 1889 and underwent alterations around 1930 and 1980. Designed by W.R. Bryden, the building is constructed from narrow coursed millstone grit with ashlar dressings and features a hipped Welsh slate roof with a central louvred vent.

The exterior is a single storey with a sill band. The north street front has six windows arranged in a 1:4:1 pattern, divided by rusticated Doric pilasters. These are topped by a moulded entablature and a parapet that is adorned with four ball finials and two urn-shaped finials. The end bays project slightly and are crowned by ornate shaped gables with open pediments that contain pointed finials. The gables feature oval panels with keystones and central carvings flanked by pilasters.

The entrance doors at both ends consist of central doors with sidelights and an overlight, all within moulded and shouldered surrounds topped with segmental pediments. The right doorway is no longer in use. Between the doors are four blocked windows, each with moulded surrounds and pediments. To the right is an altered two-storey wing with a 20th-century entrance and two small windows above. Further right is a four-window wing featuring altered 20th-century casements.

The basement entrance is protected by attached spearhead railings at the front. The interior has not been inspected.