Library, Former Corn Exchange

The former Corn Exchange, now a public library, was built around 1847 and is attributed to architect R. Tress. The building features rendered brickwork with banded ashlar detailing and has a slate roof that is now a broad mansard shape, set behind an original balustraded parapet. It is designed in a classical style with a rectangular plan and is a single storey.

The east front elevation showcases a central elaborate portico flanked by symmetrical bays. Each bay is closed by paired pilasters and includes a side doorway topped with an open pediment, consoles, and acroteria. The semicircular overlight above the doors features two lower fielded panels and one upper panel, which is now glazed. The central portico contains a round-headed doorway with paired columns that are set forward on either side, with an entablature that breaks forward and is adorned with paired wreaths. The parapet above is decorated with paired acroteria.

A clock tower rises above the building on a plinth, featuring volute scrolled diagonal buttresses that clasp a louvred, triple-arcaded opening. Each round arch head of the opening is decorated with a scallop shell. Above the opening is the clock face, which has diagonal consoles, and it is topped with a reeded cylindrical stage that includes a cornice, dome, and weather-vane. The doorway features a cast-iron cresting within the arched head, with central scrolls shaped like a lyre.

The south end of the elevation curves around with arched rustication, leading to the south elevation facing King Street. This side has nine bays separated by pilasters, each decorated with a panel and linked cornucopia on the frieze. Each bay contains a tall window with a raised architrave that features fleur-de-lys cresting. The 20th-century roof includes five ramped dormer lights with glazing all around. The interior has been rebuilt, with only 20th-century work currently visible.