Clock Tower Chambers facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Clock Tower Chambers |
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Clock Tower Chambers
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| Alternative names | Westport Municipal Chambers |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Moderne architecture |
| Address | 119 Palmerston Street |
| Town or city | Westport |
| Country | New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 41°45′13″S 171°35′55″E / 41.7537°S 171.5987°E |
| Construction started | 1938 |
| Completed | 1941 |
| Inaugurated | n/a |
| Client | Westport Borough Council |
| Technical details | |
| Structural system | Reinforced concrete |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Archibald Macdonald |
| Designated: | 30 August 1990 |
| Reference #: | 5000 |
The Clock Tower Chambers is a famous building in Westport, New Zealand. It was once the main office for the town's council. People also call it the Westport Municipal Chambers. This special building was constructed during World War II. Many consider it one of the most beautiful historic buildings on the West Coast. It is so important that Heritage New Zealand has given it a top rating, called a Category I registration.
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Why the Clock Tower Chambers Were Built
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Westport was the first town on the West Coast where Europeans settled. It became a very important place after coal was discovered nearby. Westport was the main centre for both the Westport Borough Council (from 1873) and the Buller County Council (from 1877).
The town had a large post office building. In 1913, a clock tower was added to it. This tower was a memorial to Richard Seddon, a former prime minister who was well-known on the West Coast.
However, in 1929, a big earthquake called the 1929 Murchison earthquake hit the area. The clock tower on the post office collapsed. The whole building had to be pulled down soon after.
In 1936, Jack Kilkenny, who was the mayor of Westport, had an idea. He suggested that the Westport Borough Council should build new town offices. These new offices would include a clock tower, replacing the one lost in the earthquake. The council agreed and approved a loan to help pay for the building.
Building the Clock Tower Chambers
A local architect named Archibald Macdonald designed the new town offices. He chose a style called Moderne architecture. This style was popular at the time and looked very modern.
Building work began in 1938. The council decided to use "day labour" instead of hiring a big construction company. This meant they hired workers directly. By December 1938, the old council offices were taken down, and the ground was ready for the new building's foundations.
The new council chambers were built using reinforced concrete. This makes the building very strong. Inside, the building featured beautiful rimu wood and shiny terrazzo floors.
Building costs went up because World War II had started. This caused some delays and money problems. By April 1940, most of the building was finished, except for the very top part of the clock tower. The final touches were completed in 1941.
The clock for the tower was a special gift. Harry Morgan, who owned the local cinema, donated it. The building has a unique mustard colour because it is coated in sand from Motueka.
There were plans to build a large town hall behind the Clock Tower Chambers. Because of these plans, there was never an official opening party for the building. The building cost about £18,423, and the donated clock was worth £1,250.
The economic problems during the war meant the town hall plan never happened. In the 1960s, people tried to raise money for it, but they didn't reach their goal.
Why the Building is Important (Heritage Status)
On August 30, 1990, the Clock Tower Chambers received a special honour. The New Zealand Historic Places Trust (now called Heritage New Zealand) registered it as a Category I building. This is the highest level of heritage protection.
The building was given this important status for a few reasons:
- Historical Significance: It shows how important Westport was as a town.
- Architectural Quality: It's a "striking building with a dramatic appearance." This means it looks very impressive and well-designed.
- Landmark Value: It is the most noticeable and famous building in Westport. It helps people know where they are in the town.
What the Building is Used For Today
In 1989, the Westport Borough Council joined with other councils to form the Buller District Council. Soon after, the Buller District Council moved out of the Clock Tower Chambers.
Today, different businesses rent space in the building. It is no longer used as the main council office but remains a busy and important part of Westport.
