Old Town Hall, Sheffield

The Old Town Hall in Sheffield, located on Waingate, is a significant listed building with a rich history dating back to the early 17th century. The first reference to a "Sheffield Towne Hall" was recorded on 29 September 1637 in William Harrison's Survey of the Manor of Sheffield. This original town hall was replaced in 1700 by a new structure designed by William Renny, situated next to the parish church with limited room for expansion.

The third iteration, known today as the "Old Town Hall," was constructed between 1807 and 1808 in the Neoclassical style by architect Charles Watson. It underwent extensions in 1833 and again in 1866 when a new central clock tower and main entrance facing Waingate were added. These renovations, designed by Flockton & Abbott, utilized materials salvaged from parts of the preceding building. The Old Town Hall’s orientation towards Waingate and its clock tower became prominent features of the building.

By the 1890s, the Old Town Hall could no longer accommodate the growing administrative needs of Sheffield, prompting the construction of a new Town Hall further south. Following an extension between 1896 and 1897, the Old Town Hall was repurposed as the seat of the Crown Court and the High Court. A drinking fountain was also added on the Castle Street side during this period.

In 1973, the Old Town Hall was designated as a heritage property. However, after the courts relocated in the 1990s, the building was left vacant. Since then, there have been various proposals for its reuse, including converting it into serviced apartments, shops, cafes, and hotel rooms. Despite its disuse, the Old Town Hall remains an important historical landmark in Sheffield.