New County Hall

New County Hall is a three-storey building with a square concrete frame structure featuring approximately 50 bays on each side defined by window openings and concrete slabs. The design expresses the modernist architecture of its era through geometric forms and repetitive bays.

The building opened in 1966 when Queen Elizabeth II inaugurated the new structure to replace the previous County Hall, which had become inadequate for expanding administrative needs. The replacement reflected both the era's architectural shift toward modernism and the council's growth.

The central courtyard features the 'Rock Form, Porthcurno' sculpture by Barbara Hepworth alongside modern artworks including paintings by Alfred Wallis. These pieces shape the public spaces where visitors can encounter contemporary art while moving through the building.

The building serves as the administrative headquarters and contains council offices, meeting chambers, and public-facing spaces for local governance operations. Visitors can navigate using the central courtyard as a key orientation point within the geometric layout.

The council chamber extends from the main building and cantilevers over the eastern facade, creating a striking structural feature visible from outside. This bold overhang demonstrates the architect's confidence in the modernist engineering approach.

Location: Truro

GPS coordinates: 50.25967,-5.06937

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:41