huddersfield town hall was designed by john h. abbey and built in two stages between 1875 and 1881. the first section opened on 26 june 1878, comprising the mayor's parlour, council chamber, reception room and municipal offices including the sanitary inspector, inspector of weights and measures, medical officer, town clerk, borough surveyor and the rates office. the second phase opened in october 1881 comprising the magistrates' court and concert hall. the hall seats up to 1,200 people and hosts events ranging from classical to comedy and from choral to community events.