Town Hall

The Town Hall, built between 1901 and 1903 (as evidenced by rainwaterheads), was designed by F.W. Waller of Gloucester and constructed by Collins and Godfrey. It is an example of eclectic Classical style, built with ashlar and a slate roof.

The main frontage is horizontally rusticated and features three bays with a projecting porte-cochere featuring three arches. The porte-cochere has pilaster buttresses with inverse scrolls, a frieze, cornice, and balustrade. Curving approach ramps, also with balustrades and octagonal piers topped with lamp standards, lead to the entrance. Above the porte-cochere is a three-bay pedimented front with engaged Corinthian columns and wide end pilasters with horizontal rustication, topped by a modillion cornice. The windows are mullion and transom with multi-pane casements, with lunettes containing glazed oculi above the central windows. A cartouche and oculus are incorporated into the pediment. A cupola rises from the roof. The ballroom features five-bay arcades with Corinthian columns. A verandah is present on the left return.

The interior retains numerous original features. These include an entrance hall with a domed ceiling and a stairhall with an open-well staircase featuring iron balustrade panels decorated with lyre motifs and a lightwell. The central, aisled hall has five bays with engaged marble Corinthian columns and round-arched openings. Foliate decoration appears in the spandrels, and balconies at the first floor form boxes with round-arched openings above, each with a keystone. The stage has a segmental arch. Large plaster cast statues of Edward VII and George V, created by Boultons of Cheltenham, are housed in niches along the aisles. An octagonal hall includes a marble and tile octagonal well with a Doulton ware urn, a mosaic floor, and a lyre motif to the balustrade above.

A plaque at the base of the porte-cochere records the building's construction, noting that its erection was decided in 1901 and the memorial stone was laid on October 1st, 1902, by Alderman Col Rogers to commemorate the coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra. The plaque also recognizes the roles of F.W. Waller (architect), Collins and Godfrey (contractors), and E.T. Bridges (town clerk).

Despite a conventional plan and design for its date, the Town Hall is a prominent and notable example of the work of an Edwardian local architect.