The first town hall was built in Queen Street but by 1882 it was considered inadequate, so a place for a new one had to be found, Adelaide Street was chosen despite it swampy conditions. Architects were chosen in 1909 yet had their contracts terminated due to Brisbane property owners refusing the construction price of £180 000. Even though a new design had not been found to try and gain interest in the project Governer Gould Adams laid a foundation stone in February 1917. In July that year artichitects TR Hall and GG Prentice were employed. They submitted their design in 1919 and the building was designed with the features of 300 feet high clock tower with would have a sculpture of the angel of peace on the top, and the facade would have a life size statues with a chariot and horses, the building would cost £480 000. The Prince of Wales laid another foundation stone in July 1920 and a time capsule was buried underneath. Due to the conditions of the site continuous pumping was needed, but despite this a tradegy still happened when a workman drowned whilst on site. DD Carrick was chosen to construct the building, and to cut cost the chariot was omitted. Work started in 1924 and the first meeting held there was in 1928 it was officially opened 1930 by Governor Sir John Goodwin.

The city hall is thought to be the home of at least three ghosts, a lady in period clothing, a workman by or sometimes in the lift soccasionally making it go and an American sailor thought to have been killed in a fight over a girl, also the sound of an argument can sometimes be heard and the noise of a knife being drawn.