lutyens' original proposal included a similar portico at the rear of the building to allow for a larger hall, but this was not included in the final specification. the total cost of the project was approximately £3,500 (1922) (about £ in ), which was funded by public subscription. the building was formally opened by charles wynn-carington, 1st marquess of lincolnshire, the lord lieutenant of buckinghamshire, on 14 october 1922.