A stone clock tower that has marked time on the banks of the Avon River for 83 years is set to be repaired.

The Edmonds clock tower, on the corner of Madras St and Oxford Tce, was damaged in the February and June earthquakes last year. However, engineers believe it can be saved.

The 1929 clock tower was part of a group of gifts along the Avon from prominent businessman and philanthropist Thomas Edmonds to commemorate the jubilee of his residence in the city.

It was designed by Christchurch architect H Francis Willis, who was known for his work in the Art Deco and Spanish Mission styles popular in the 1920s and 30s, such as New Regent St and the Repertory Theatre.

It carries a category 2 Historic Places Trust listing and is also listed in the city plan as a building of historic significance.

The top section of the clock was removed after the June 2011 quakes to reduce the risk to the public.

However, council heritage reinstatement programme manager Rachel Shaw said engineers believed the clock tower could be repaired.

The work would cost about $260,000, but would be funded through insurance.

Councillors are expected to approve plans to repair the tower when they meet on Thursday.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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