Restoration of the landmark historic clock tower in Truro has taken another step forward after the refurbished bells were craned back into position.
Works on the Truro Municipal Buildings’ clock tower, which was in poor condition and needed to be dismantled and reconstructed, are nearing completion with this latest development marking a milestone in the project.
City Hall and the clock tower were badly damaged by fire in 1914, which left only the side of the tower that faces Boscawen Street remaining in its original granite form.
At the time, the three lost sides were reconstructed using reinforced concrete and were rendered to give the appearance, from street level, of granite.
The steelwork used within the tower to create this façade more than a century ago became badly corroded over time. After consulting with Historic England, specialists Fox Construction Solutions started the work to dismantle and repair the tower in August 2022 following the completion of the Hall for Cornwall’s major refurbishment project.
The installation of the refurbished bells is a significant milestone in the programme, jointly funded by Cornwall Council and Truro City Council, to reconstruct the clock tower. The entire project is expected to complete by Autumn 2023.
David Harris, Portfolio Holder for Resources at Cornwall Council, said:
“The reinstallation of the refurbished the bells is an historic event which, complemented by the restoration of the clock tower, clock mechanism and faces, will see this landmark building ready to last another 100 years and more.”
Truro City Mayor, Councillor Carol Swain, said:
“The Municipal Buildings and clock tower is an iconic feature of Truro’s rich heritage, as well as being the home of Truro City Council, so to see the bells reinstated and to look forward to the tower being brought back to its former glory to be enjoyed by future generations, is wonderful.”
Story posted 13 July 2023
