The original Custon House dates from 1798 and marks the point where the Sea Pound (nprn 400534) of the Glamorganshire Canal (nprn 34425) gave way to the narrow canal. The building was extended or rebuilt in 1845 and extended along Custom House Street in 1865. It is a two storey Italianate-style stuccoed building on a corner site overlooking the Glamorganshire Canal (now a road). The main west facade is of two storeys plus attic, with five bays; there is a modern hipped Mansard roof and a chimney at each corner. The building was converted between 1901 and 1920 for use as a Labour Exchange and further alterations and extension to the east were made in 1983-5. It is currently (November 2009) disused and derelict, as is the adjacent 1890 York Hotel (nprn 415001); both are awaiting possible redevelopment.
B.A.Malaws, RCAHMW, 18 November 2009.