Visitors glancing up at one of Middlesbrough's most recognisable landmarks may have noticed something unusual in recent days.
The iconic clock on Middlesbrough Town Hall has temporarily lost its hands while renovations to keep the historic timepiece ticking for years to come get underway.
The four sets of clock hands have been removed for repairs by specialist clockmakers Smith of Derby, after carefully removing the glass from the town hall clocks and leaving them temporarily handless.
Rather than replacing the clock with a modern alternative, Middlesbrough Council hopes to preserve the historic timepiece through restoration work for future generations to enjoy.
The hands from the Albert Road-facing side of the clock tower will be replaced with new copper and brass replicas, while those on the remaining three faces will be repaired and restored as necessary in the coming years.
The restoration is also being documented by photographer Simon Hill - with pictures featuring in his upcoming book The North Revisited.
Dean Allen, works manager at Smith of Derby, said: "We are delighted to undertake the restoration of the clock at Middlesbrough Town Hall.
"It is a fantastic opportunity to combine our specialist clockmaking and rope-access expertise to carefully restore this historic timepiece and ensure it can continue to operate for many years to come."
Read more
Former pubs and petrol stations - how are Middlesbrough's 'blight sites' doing?
Plans for Costa drive-thru in Middlesbrough rejected and local businesses rejoice
Footage as heaps of dirty cardboard dumped in Teesside - and residents applauded
The clock hands have watched over Middlesbrough's town centre for decades, with the last major restoration taking place in the mid-1990s.
Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke said the work was vital to preserving a key part of the town's history.
He said: "The Town Hall clock is one of the iconic features of the Middlesbrough skyline, and it's vital we keep it in working condition.
"This repair work will ensure the town centre has a reliable timepiece for all to see for future generations."
The restoration is scheduled to be completed next month, bringing the timepiece back to full working order.
Share