Westminster Council House

TQ 2781 NE CITY OF WESTMINSTER MARYLEBONE ROAD, NW1 43/5 Westminster Council House 16.1.81. G.V. II

Council house, formerly Marylebone Town Hall. 1914-20 by Sir Edwin Cooper. Portland stone, flat terrace roof. Edwardian Graeco-Roman classicism relying on mass and volume for broad fronted composition with elaboration reserved for Wren inspired central tower. Rusticated semi basement, 2 main storeys and attic storey. 13 bays wide, the 7 central bays advanced as centrepiece. Central tetrastyle portico in antis with coupled giant Corinthian columns, approached by flight of steps flanked by lions; the portico, flanked by slightly advanced one-bay pavilions with giant Corinthian columns in antis. The attic is set back and taller above portico, fronted by a balustraded parapet, with pairs of vases surmounting dies, rising over the bracketed cornice of the entablature. The attic windows of the centrepiece have armorial surrounds. Plain windows to wings. Return elevations of 8 bays, the terminal ones treated as similar pavilions to those flanking portico. The tall square tower is set back with Corinthian colonnade above plain base with pedimented and recessed stages above rising as stepped spire crowned by urn finial. Stone area balustrade surrounds site. Interior not inspected. Town Hall has bridge link to Cooper's later Library to west.

Listing NGR: TQ2775581872