18 January 2016

MEDIA RELEASE

Facelift for the Clock Tower in the Square

The iconic Clock Tower in the Square of Palmerston North is undergoing a facelift.

Contractors will this week undertake the major task of repainting the 30 metre Tower.

Scaffolding is going up today.

“We’re expecting the job to take about ten days weather permitting. The work will include chemical cleaning, a low pressure wash, priming and applying a waterproof membrane,” says Palmerston North City Council Parks and Property Manager, John Brenkley.

The Clock Tower was last painted during its $1.7m refurbishment in 2007. The project was part of the redevelopment of The Square.

“It is certainly due for some freshening up but we’re not planning to use any radical colours. The Clock Tower will be painted the same shade of white,” Mr Brenkley says.

It’s estimated about 220 litres of paint will required during the course of the job.

The Clock Tower was completed in 1957. Local businessman Arthur Hopwood gifted the City of Palmerston North £10,000 to build the new tower in The Square to house the clock and chimes removed from the Post Office after the 1942 Wairarapa earthquake.

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