Old Marylebone Town Hall

Marylebone Town Hall, also known as the Westminster Council House, is a grand historic building located on Marylebone Road in London. It houses the council chamber, the Westminster Register Office, and the Sammy Ofer Centre, an educational hub. This stunning structure is Grade II listed, meaning it’s officially recognized for its architectural importance.

A Peek Into History:
This iconic building was built to replace an outdated courthouse dating back to the 18th century, located at the south end of Marylebone Lane. When the area became a metropolitan borough in 1900, the old courthouse was no longer cutting it, so the decision was made to build a brand-new town hall on the site, which had previously been home to residential properties.

The foundation stone was laid in 1914 by Princess Royal, just before World War I halted construction. After the war, the building was completed and officially opened by Prince Albert in 1920. Designed by Sir Edwin Cooper in a grand Edwardian Graeco-Roman style, the building features a stunning symmetrical frontage, a large colonnade, Corinthian columns, and a tower on the roof—perfect for catching the eye as you stroll by.

A Building with Stories to Tell:
In 1939, a public library designed by Cooper was added to the complex. During World War II, the town hall took a hit when the council chamber was bombed, but it was restored in 1968, keeping its place as a key meeting spot for Westminster City Council.

This spot has witnessed many notable moments, including the weddings of celebrities like Cilla Black and Bobby Willis, Paul McCartney and Linda Eastman, Ringo Starr and Barbara Bach, and even Melanie Griffith and Antonio Banderas. It’s a venue for love stories as much as it is for local governance!

A Modern Revival:
In 2012, the London Business School took ownership of the town hall. With help from the Ofer family, a £60 million renovation took place, breathing new life into the space. The upgrades included a shiny new glass and steel connection linking the town hall to the library and the addition of the Sammy Ofer Centre. The town hall reopened in 2018, blending its rich history with modern facilities.

Whether you’re walking past, getting married, or attending a lecture, Marylebone Town Hall is a beautiful blend of London’s past and future.

The photos below are all by James Archer