The scaffolding around the City Hall clock tower has been removed, prompting Truro mayor Cllr Carol Swain to thank all those who worked so hard to support the restoration project.  

“It is fantastic to see the scaffolding and hoarding being removed so people can once again see this landmark building in all its glory,” she said.  

City Hall and the clock tower were badly damaged by fire in 1914, which left only the side of the tower that faces Boscawen Street remaining in its original granite form. 

The three lost sides were reconstructed using reinforced concrete and rendered to give the appearance of granite.  

However, the steelwork used to create this façade more than a century ago became badly corroded, and following consultation with Historic England, specialists Fox Construction Solutions started work to dismantle and repair the tower in August 2022.  

The historic bells were craned back into place in July and now the final phase of the restoration project – reconstructing the clock tower - has been completed.  

A plaque commemorating the completion of the work, funded by Fox Construction, will be installed in the Council Chamber, with a special unveiling ceremony due to be held later this month.  

“The project to rebuild the Clock Tower and refurbish the bells has been a real example of partnership working,” said Cllr Swain. “From Cornwall Council and Truro City Council, who have led the project over the past two years, to the work of specialist contractors, everyone has worked together to restore this much historic building.” 

Cllr Swain added: “I would particularly like to thank our town crier Lionel Knight and his wife Carole who provided additional funding to support the project. 

“We look forward to acknowledging their contribution at the unveiling ceremony.”