The building is made up of staggered, angular volumes with a polygonal floor plan, grouped around a central atrium. The façade consists of rough exposed concrete with vertically structured surfaces, combined with narrow ribbon windows that rhythmically break up the block-like mass.

Built after the previous assembly rooms from the 18th century were destroyed in a fire in 1963. In 2014 the new assembly rooms were also severely damaged in a fire and have been closed since. In August 2024, Derby City Council allocated £5.3 million for the demolition of the Assembly Rooms, which was due to start in late fall of the same year. By the end of the year, nothing had happened, but according to the leader of Derby City Council, plans for the demolition and replacement of the Assembly Rooms are “absolutely on track”, with no specific timeframe given. A four-star hotel and office space are to be built on the vacant site (last updated on February 14, 2025).