Built as a corn mill c 1867 the building was gifted by the Kitching family, in 1922, as a war memorial hall to be used for the benefit of the people of the urban district. Over the years it has served as a museum, public baths, swimming pool, reading rooms, public library, theatre, British restaurant and council offices and the hub of the community for recreational activities. It houses a mural by Rex Whistler of "the children eating cakes" which was painted by the artist in 1943 at a Christmas Party hosted by the 2nd Battalion of Welsh Guards.