Slough Town Hall

Slough Town Hall, an architectural gem nestled on Bath Road in Slough, Berkshire, stands as a testament to the town's rich history and evolving identity. This Neo-Georgian masterpiece, with its red brick façade and stone dressings, has been a central figure in Slough's civic life since its completion in 1937. While it no longer serves as the headquarters for Slough Borough Council, the building continues to play a vital role in the community, having found new life as a primary school.

The Birth of a Civic Landmark

In the early 20th century, Slough was experiencing significant growth, largely due to the development of the local industrial estate by The Slough Trading Co. The rapid population increase necessitated a dedicated space for civic administration, leading to the decision to construct a purpose-built town hall. The chosen site was a stretch of open land on the south side of Bath Road, surrounded by large residential properties, approximately half a mile west of the bustling High Street.

The design of the new town hall was the result of a competition overseen by Harry Stuart Goodhart-Rendel, with the winning entry submitted by architects Charles Holloway James and Stephen Rowland Pierce. Their vision brought to life a building that not only met the functional needs of the council but also added a touch of grandeur to the area.

Architectural Elegance

The façade of Slough Town Hall is a study in symmetry and elegance. The main frontage, consisting of fifteen bays, is dominated by a central section that slightly projects forward. This central section features a grand doorway flanked by stone pilasters and topped with an entablature bearing the words Town Hall. Above the entrance, three tall windows with stone surrounds and iron balconies on the first floor add a touch of sophistication, while five small square windows on the second floor and a large pediment containing the town's coat of arms in the tympanum complete the picture. At the roof level, a clock tower with a belfry and finial stands as a beacon of civic pride.

To the left of the central section, a ten-bay wing ends in a pavilion, while to the right, a two-bay wing hints at the potential for future expansion. Inside, the principal room is the council chamber, a space adorned with fine oak and walnut panelling that speaks to the building's prestige and importance.

A Hub of Civic Activity

From the moment it was officially opened by Sarah Trevener on 31 March 1937, Slough Town Hall became the beating heart of the town's civic life. It served as the headquarters for the Slough Borough Council, which was elevated to the status of a municipal borough in 1938. Despite the rapid industrialisation and urban development that transformed Slough, the town hall remained a symbol of unity and order, described by the future Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman as a striving for unity out of chaos.

The town hall witnessed many significant events over the decades, including the historic moment in May 1984 when Councillor Lydia Simmons became the UK's first black mayor. This milestone reflected the town hall's role not just as an administrative centre but as a place where history was made and celebrated.

Challenges and Transformation

By the early 21st century, the demands on the town hall and the council had evolved. In 2008, Slough Borough Council decided to relocate its staff to a nearby office building temporarily, with plans to find a more permanent home closer to the town centre. There was a proposal to demolish the town hall and redevelop the site for residential use, a plan that met with resistance from heritage organisations and the local community.

Despite English Heritage's recommendation to list the building as a heritage site, the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport decided against it in 2010. The Twentieth Century Society's efforts to overturn this decision were unsuccessful, but the building was spared from demolition. Instead, it underwent a £1.5 million refurbishment and was repurposed as a primary school, reopening in 2012 as the Old Town Hall, 19 Bath Road.

A New Chapter

Today, the former Slough Town Hall continues to serve the community in its new role as a primary school. While it no longer functions as the seat of local government, its legacy as a centre of civic life endures. The building's transformation is a testament to the adaptability and resilience of Slough, a town that has embraced change while honouring its past.

As you stroll along Bath Road and take in the sight of this stately building, you can't help but feel a sense of connection to the generations of Slough residents who have walked these halls. Whether you're a history enthusiast, an architecture aficionado, or simply a curious visitor, Slough Town Hall offers a glimpse into the rich tapestry of this vibrant town's history.