 The most prominent building in the complex, the Old Shire hall, dates back to the 18th century, was remodeled in the early 19th century and was further restructured to the designs of William McIntosh Brookes in the Greek Revival style between 1841 and 1842.The Old Shire Hall was originally used as the local facility for dispensing justice but, following the implementation of the Local Government Act 1888, which established county councils in every county, it also became the meeting place for West Suffolk County Council.The Old Shire Hall was then rebuilt to the designs of Archie Ainsworth-Hunt, the county architect, in the Edwardian Baroque style between 1906 and 1907.