Old timer gets a revamp
04 March 2025
Maintenance of this historically-significant artefact will begin on Wednesday, 5 March 2025. This means the clock will be set at 12:00 for about four months until work is complete.
As part of the City of Cape Town Economic Growth Directorate’s commitment to leverage its strategic assets as quality venues for the hosting of events, the Cape Town City Hall’s historical turret clock will be undergoing maintenance and repairs. Work on this iconic clock, which overlooks the Grand Parade, will start on Wednesday, 5 March.
By providing well-maintained, compliant and fit-for-purpose venues for the hosting of a multitude of events, the City’s portfolio of strategic assets are contributing to the cultural landscape of the City, and ultimately to economic growth and job creation.
The ongoing improvements of the City Hall has resulted in the facility being booked to near capacity, hosting events such as the State of the Nation Address (SONA), concerts of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, various choir competitions and the upcoming Last Night of the Proms. The City Hall is also host to the Nelson Mandela in Cape Town Legacy Exhibition, the Cape Town Civic Collection’s Attic Exhibition and Cape Town Tourism’s City Hall Visitor Experience Centre.
With Table Mountain in the background, the City Hall and its Turret Clock has become and an iconic back drop for events on the Grand Parade, such as the Festive Lights Switch-on and the start of the Cape Town Cycle Tour. The clock, built in 1905, was manufactured by the UK clockmaker, JB Joyce & Co. Currently the clock is keeping time, but as part of the maintenance, the 15-minute chiming and hourly strike mechanism will be repaired and be serviced to enable it to sound again, as it did in the past. This will require the clock and related mechanisms to be disabled for a period of time to allow for the repairs.
The refurbishment will take about four months, should all go to plan.
This work is part of the directorate’s ongoing overall plan to incrementally improve its Strategic Assets, such as the Cape Town City Hall, to continue hosting events which fosters a growing economy.
Over and above previous refurbishment of the City Hall’s auditorium and upgrades to improve the accessibility and safety of the facility, the paving and urban furniture in the portion of Longmarket Street behind the facility is also receiving much-needed upgrades to create a more user-friendly and safe environment. With the project nearing completion, the next focus at City Hall is on maintenance and repairs to its turret clock.
The City Hall clock is a familiar face when visiting Cape Town, especially the Grand Parade. While the maintenance of its components are taking place, residents are reminded the clock will not be operational. The clock will be set at 12:00 until repairs are complete. This work will also have no impact on public access to the City Hall.
The City regrets any inconvenience during this time. However it is important to maintain and look after the heritage artefacts. This is a responsibility that we must not take lightly as such history adds to the rich historical and cultural tapestries of Cape Town, making it one of the best cities to visit.
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Published by:
Media Office, City of Cape Town
