Cape Town: The popular City Hall Turret Clock is ready for mechanical sprucing, and is up to get it chiming like new again. The maintenance of the historically significant artefact began on Wednesday, March 05, 2025. This means the clock will be set at 12:00 for about four months until the work is complete.
The Economic Growth Directorate of the City of Cape Town is committed to leverage its strategic assets as quality venues for the hosting of events. The historical turret clock of the Cape Town City Hall will be undergoing maintenance and repairs. Work on this iconic clock was done which overlooked the Grand Parade, observed on Wednesday, March 05, 2025.
Reportedly, it has been decided that by providing well-maintained, compliant and fit-for-purpose venues for the hosting of a multitude of events, the portfolio of city’s 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 that was booked to near capacity, hosting events such as the State of the Nation Address (SONA). The concerts of the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra, Mzansi National Philharmonic Orchestra, various choir competitions and the upcoming Last Night of the Proms.
City Hall also hosts 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.
The City Hall and its Turret Clock has become an iconic back drop for events on the Grand Parade with Table Mountain in the background, such as the Festive Lights Switch-on and the start of the Cape Town Cycle Tour.
The historic clock was built in 1905 and was manufactured by the UK clockmaker – JB Joyce & Co. at present, the clock is keeping time, but as part of the maintenance. The 15-minute chiming and hourly strike mechanism will be repaired and will be serviced to enable it to sound again, as it did in the past.
Moreover, 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 and all should go according to the plan.
The work is part of the overall ongoing plan by the directorate 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 which is also receiving much-needed upgrades to create a more user-friendly and safe environment.
The project is nearing its completion and the next focus is on the maintenance of City Hall and repairs to its turret clock. City Hall Clock is a familiar face when visited to Cape Town, especially the Grand Parade.
Notably, the maintenance of its components are taking place and the residents are reminded that the clock will not be operational. The clock will be set at 12:00 p.m. (noon) until the repairs are complete. The work will also have no impact on public access to the City Hall.
The City of Cape Town regrets any inconvenience during the time. It is important to maintain and look after the heritage artefacts. This is a responsibility that they must not take it lightly as such history adds to the rich historical and cultural tapestries of Cape Town, making it one of the best cities to roam around.