Hornby Clocktower

Hornby Clocktower: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Historical Significance in Christchurch

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Hornby Clocktower, once a defining feature of Christchurch’s southwestern suburb of Hornby, New Zealand, represented the city’s spirit of modernity, growth, and community identity. Designed by Don Donnithorne in the 1960s, this modernist structure stood as both an architectural landmark and a practical gateway for those entering Christchurch via State Highway 1. While the original clocktower was demolished in 2014 after suffering irreparable earthquake damage, its memory remains deeply woven into Christchurch’s heritage. Today, the site hosts the Clocktower Centre, and the tower’s legacy is preserved through archives, community projects, and local narratives (Kiddle; Archipro; Christchurch City Libraries).

This comprehensive guide explores the clocktower’s origins, architectural evolution, role as a community landmark, redevelopment efforts, and the impact of the 2011 earthquake. It also provides practical advice for visitors, including details about the site today, accessibility, nearby attractions, and travel tips to help you connect with Christchurch’s vibrant heritage.

Hornby Clocktower demolition in Christchurch New Zealand

Introduction
Origins and Architectural Design
Community Role and Evolution
2010 Redevelopment and Modern Adaptation
Earthquake Impact and Demolition
Visiting the Site Today: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility
Nearby Attractions and Practical Tips
Legacy, Commemoration, and Visual Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Timeline of Key Events
Conclusion and Recommendations
References

Origins and Architectural Design

The Hornby Clocktower was constructed in the 1960s to serve as the headquarters for the Central Canterbury Electric Power Board. Don Donnithorne’s design embodied the clean lines and utilitarian principles of modernist architecture, reflecting the optimism of Christchurch’s post-war suburban expansion. Prominently located at the intersection of Brynley Street and Main South Road on State Highway 1, the clocktower became an instant landmark, its four-faced clock serving as a visual anchor and practical timepiece for commuters and residents alike (Kiddle; Reddit).

The building featured robust concrete and glass construction, maximizing natural light and durability. Its distinctive clock tower not only symbolized progress but also marked the southern entrance to Christchurch.

Community Role and Evolution

For over five decades, the Hornby Clocktower was more than a building—it was a social and commercial hub. The ground floor hosted a variety of businesses, including the much-loved Clock Bar and, for a time, the suburb’s first public library. The upper floors transitioned from utility offices to commercial spaces, mirroring Hornby’s transformation into a bustling suburban center (Discovery Wall; Christchurch City Libraries).

The clocktower featured in countless local stories, photographs, and community events, anchoring the collective memory of Hornby’s residents.

2010 Redevelopment and Modern Adaptation

Recognizing the aging structure’s importance, Epoch Property commissioned a major refurbishment in 2010, led by Wilson and Hill Architects (Archipro). The redevelopment included:

Modernizing upper floors for flexible office use
Transforming the ground floor into retail units, with Coffee Culture as the first new tenant
Constructing an adjacent strip mall to expand commercial offerings
Incorporating sustainable features to improve energy efficiency

The project garnered architectural awards and was celebrated as a model of adaptive reuse, blending heritage with contemporary needs.

Earthquake Impact and Demolition

The Canterbury earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 dealt successive blows to the Hornby Clocktower. While minor damage was sustained during the 2010 quake, the February 2011 earthquake caused severe structural compromise. Despite recent renovations and community attachment, safety concerns necessitated the building’s closure and, by October 2014, its demolition (Reddit; Discovery Wall).

This loss was deeply felt, sparking broader conversations about heritage preservation and urban resilience in Christchurch.

Visiting the Site Today: Hours, Tickets, and Accessibility

Visiting Hours and Tickets

As the original Hornby Clocktower was demolished in 2014, there are no visiting hours or ticket requirements for the structure itself. However, visitors can explore the Clocktower Centre, the commercial complex developed on the former tower’s footprint. The Centre operates during standard business hours and features retail, dining, and community spaces.

Accessibility

The site is fully accessible to the public, with wide footpaths, pedestrian crossings, and facilities compliant with accessibility standards. Ample parking is available, and public transport routes serve the area.

Nearby Attractions and Practical Tips

Hornby Mall: Adjacent to the site, offering extensive retail and food options.
Riccarton House and Bush: Historic homestead and gardens worth exploring.
Christchurch Botanic Gardens: A short drive away, ideal for nature and history enthusiasts.
Hornby Club: Community events, dining, and entertainment (Hornby Club).

Travel Tips:

Visit during daylight for the best experience and photographic opportunities.
Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather (best-time.to).
Use public transport for easy access from central Christchurch (Christchurch Metro).

Legacy, Commemoration, and Visual Resources

Although the original structure is gone, the Hornby Clocktower’s memory endures:

Community Projects: Photographic archives and oral histories are maintained by Christchurch City Libraries and the Discovery Wall (Discovery Wall; Christchurch City Libraries).
Heritage Recognition: The site’s name and history are preserved in the Clocktower Centre.
Photographic Spots: Capture images around the Centre and explore digital archives for historic photos.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I visit the Hornby Clocktower?
A: The original tower was demolished in 2014 due to earthquake damage. You can visit the Clocktower Centre at the same location.

Q: Are there guided tours?
A: No tours focus exclusively on the clocktower, but some Christchurch heritage tours and library events discuss Hornby’s history.

Q: What about visiting hours and tickets?
A: The Centre operates standard retail hours; no tickets are needed.

Q: Is the site accessible?
A: Yes, the area and surrounding amenities are accessible.

Q: What other attractions are nearby?
A: Hornby Mall, Riccarton House, Christchurch Botanic Gardens, and the Hornby Club.

Timeline of Key Events

1960s: Construction of the Hornby Clocktower, designed by Don Donnithorne.
1972: Hornby Library opens within the building.
2010: Major redevelopment and modernization.
September 2010: Minor earthquake damage.
February 2011: Severe earthquake damage leads to closure.
October 2014: Demolition due to structural failure (Kiddle; Reddit).

Conclusion and Recommendations

The Hornby Clocktower’s story is one of innovation, adaptation, and resilience. While the physical landmark is gone, its influence endures in the local landscape, community memory, and heritage initiatives. Visitors to Hornby can reflect on this rich history by exploring the Clocktower Centre and nearby attractions, utilizing digital archives to delve deeper into the site’s significance.

For further exploration, download the Audiala app for guided tours and stay informed through Christchurch City Libraries and city council resources. Engaging with these narratives keeps the spirit of the Hornby Clocktower alive and encourages ongoing appreciation for Christchurch’s evolving heritage.