If you’ve ever walked down Hans Strijdom Avenue in Cape Town, then you’ve seen the Colonial Mutual Clock Memorial tower.
The iconic landmark, Victorian in its design and origins, has become a familiar sight among Capetonians and tourists alike. Unfortunately for historians and horologists, the structure has fallen prey to vandalism and disrepair over the years.
Now, the Cape Town Central City Improvement District (CCID) is looking to restore the clock tower – and it needs Capetonians’ help!
THE CLOCK TOWER OF CAPE TOWN
Much like the V&A Waterfront’s Time Ball Tower, the Colonial Mutual Clock Memorial tower is a historic landmark.
Per a Facebook post by the CCID, the clock tower incorporates the clock face which was installed on the Colonial Mutual building in Adderley Street in 1887.
After the building was destroyed in a fire, the tower was reconstructed in its present form in 1983. However, it has definitely seen better days, prompting action by the CCID.
CCID CALLS ON RESIDENTS TO CHIME IN
The CCID plans on restoring the structure, which includes repairing and reinstalling its clock faces and hands. They also plan to clean up the surrounding public space.
What’s more, the restoration portion includes incorporating one of four colour schemes, the winning one voted for by residents of the Mother City.
Ian McMahon, councillor for Ward 115 in the City of Cape Town, explained:
We invite the public to review the four colour options which have been developed for the structure and to vote on the one they like the most. They vary from lively ‘Mosaic Brights’ to more muted tones in ‘Pastel Harmony’; a bold red, white and blue scheme, ‘Classic Contrast’; and fresh greens in ‘Citrus Greens’.
The designs aim to celebrate the layered history of the tower and its clock face while introducing vibrant colour to create renewed visual interest.
WHICH OPTION WILL YOU CHOOSE?
Take a look at the colour scheme options:
To vote on your preferred colour scheme, you need to fill in a form here.
Let us know in the comments which option best suits the Colonial Mutual Clock Memorial tower!
In similar news, the City called on local artists and creatives to submit artwork ideas that, if successful, will adorn their new MyCiti bus station in Claremont.
