originally in staffordshire, the rowley regis urban district was formed in 1894 to cover the villages of rowley, blackheath, cradley heath, and old hill. the urban district was incorporated into a municipal borough in 1933. following the acquisition of borough status, plans were unveiled to build new council offices in the borough to replace the existing offices in lawrence lane, old hill. a site on the corner of halesowen road and barrs road was selected, with working commencing in october 1937, and the building being completed in december 1938.