The site selected by civic leaders was previously occupied by four properties: Float Mead (occupied by Simmond's flour mills), Pedlar's Acre (occupied by wharves and houses), Bishop's Acre (occupied by Crosse & Blackwell's factory) and the Four Acres (occupied by workshops and stables). It was compulsorily purchased using powers granted by the ' (6 Edw. 7. c. lxxxvi).

The main six storey building was designed by Ralph Knott.