Clock tower has another chance
Bent but not broken
CHARLIE GATES Last updated 16:00 24/03/2012

SPARED FROM DEMOLITION: City council staff are working on plans for the restoration of the Victora St clock tower.
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The top is bent, and large cracks have opened between the stones, but the earthquake-damaged Victoria St clock tower in Christchurch could be fully restored.

The 1860 clock tower has been stabilised with a steel frame.

Loose stones have been removed and other stones have been strapped in place.

City council staff are working on plans for the restoration and quake- strengthening work, which will have to be approved by councillors.

The February 2011 quake damaged a natural artesian well beneath the tower, causing water to flow and potentially undermine the structure. The water has been controlled, and staff are working on plans to permanently pipe the water away.

Council transport and green space manager Alan Beuzenberg said the clock tower was stabilised soon after the quake.

"The structural damage to the clock tower is generally limited to the dislocation of the stones forming the arches and buttress columns at the tower base," he said.

Beuzenberg said the project would go to the council once a permanent water system had been designed.

The clock tower was designed by Benjamin Mountfort and shipped from England in 147 packages in 1860, the Christchurch City Libraries website says.

It was part of the Provincial Council Buildings but was later moved to Armagh St. In 1897, the clock was erected on the corner of High St and Manchester St and was moved to its present location in 1930. The clock was restored in 1978, 2003 and 2004.

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