Old Labour Exchange (Former Weights And Measures Office)

The Old Labour Exchange, formerly the Weights and Measures Office, is located on Milk Street and dates from around 1936, with the architect unknown. The building features Bath stone facades and is currently a single storey structure. It has a five-bay front facing James Street West, with central double doors set within a framed surround and six/six pane sash windows in aedicular surrounds. The corners of the building are rounded, although the north-west corner is badly damaged, exposing the inner structure.

The east side facing Milk Street has eight bays, with framed doors at both ends. The inner four bays contain arched windows, while the outer bays have six/six pane sash windows. The right return of the building is significantly damaged, showing three windows with metal mullions and transoms in aedicular surrounds; the central window exhibits extensive fire damage above it, and there is a later inserted window opening for a first-floor addition.

Historically, this building suffered severe damage during one of the two 'Baedeker Raids' on Bath in March 1942, which resulted in 417 fatalities and extensive destruction of buildings. It is notable for its visible shrapnel damage from high explosive bombs dropped just south of Kingsmead Square. The building is listed primarily for its façade, as the structure behind is considered to have much lesser significance.