the building was built on the site of the central recreation ground, which had originally opened in 1864 and had since remained the main cricket venue in the town. this history is reflected by the statue in queens square of a batsman holding a pose having played a shot ("the spirit of cricket" by allan sly). the observant shopper will be able to spot the ball that this batsman has hit (it can be seen in the wall above f. hinds jewellers).