Shire Hall is a building of significant architectural and historic interest and has been statutorily classified by English Heritage as being of more than special interest and is therefore Grade II* Listed.
The architectural quality of Shire Hall, its presence and the quality of its interiors mean that it is a particularly important building. The building is also within a Conservation Area, where it is a central and impressive feature and forms a focus of the view up the High Street. The front elevation is constructed in Portland Stone, with the rear and side elevations made of white brick.
The ground floor is rusticated and the centre three bays project forward with arches as entrances which were originally open to the elements but now lie in front of the main door. The pediment of the building includes coade stone detailing and reliefs (depicting mercy, wisdom and justice).
The western side of the building was extended in 1851 and the east side of the building was substantially remodelled in the period 1903-06.
The lobby, courts, picture room and stairwell were substantially reconstructed in 1935-6 by the County Architect J Stuart which gives the building some aspects from the Art Deco era and which forms an essential part of part of its architectural character.
A full assessment of the architectural features and the buildings historic and community significance has been undertaken. In summary the findings of the assessment are:
- Exceptional South Elevation; Entrance Hall; County Room
- High Other elevations and roofscape; basement; stairwell; all court rooms; Picture room; staircase off Tindall Square.
- Medium Cells; original layout and bottom section of the staircase to the 1851 west block; first floor offices (east wing)
- Low Basement modern spaces and walls; offices either side of the entrance and at the mezzanine level; other offices in the east wing.
Overall Shire Hall is considered to have:
- Exceptional cityscape significance
- High architectural significance
- High community significance
- Medium local historic value.
