The Leeds Civic hall was started in 1931, designed by E Vincent Harris, the result of a competition held in 1926, and was opened by King George V on 23 August 1933. It is now Grade II* listed. Built of Portland stone with slate roofs it is of an almost V-plan with the southern corner truncated by the main facade facing downhill towards Millenium Square.
Concerning the facade, it is of two storeys with an attic storey set back. There are seven large sash windows with glazing bars in each storey, the ground floor have Gibbs architraves with triangular pediments to the outer four and segmental pediments to the three inner ones. The parapet is balustered, and the large portico has six giant Corinthian columns and a large pediment containing the un-coloured coat of arms, two dates in Roman numerals, and, on the frieze below, the city motto. There are flanking small pedimented pavilions with arches, and set back high above at both ends a tall Renaissance (Wrenish) tower with Corinthian columns at the corners of the first stage with round-headed openings, a pedimented bell stage above and obelisk spires with gilded owls as finials.
The formal description, or blazon, of the arms of Leeds City is:-
For the arms: azure, a fleece or; on a chief sable three mullets argent;
...and for the crest: On a wreath of the colours, An owl proper;
...and for the supporters: On either side an owl proper ducally gorged or.
The three stars, mullets, are taken from the coat of arms of Sir Thomas Danby who was the first Mayor.
The fleece is a sign of the wool stapler and symbolises the wool industry in the city.
The three owls are taken from the coat of arms of Sir John Saville who was the first Alderman of Leeds.
The motto is:- 'PRO REGE ET LEGE', Latin for "For King and the Law".
The two dates on the pediment are MDCXXVI, 1626, and MCMXXXIII, 1933, these are the possible date of formation of the Borough, and the date of building the Hall.