After years frozen in time, Altrincham’s iconic Clock Tower is set to tick again. Residents recall memories, mischief, and meet-ups under its face – and soon, the town will hear it chime once more.
Historic photo of the Altrincham Clock Tower(Image: Altrincham Heritage)
A historic town clock is set to tell the time once more with restoration work planned. Altrincham’s Clock Tower, in Stamford New Road, is believed to date back to the 1880s.
It was linked to Altrincham Station, which was built in 1881. The structure is Grade II listed, meaning Historic England considers it to be of “special interest” and warranting protection.
However, the clock has stopped ticking, with its hands frozen in place. Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that issues with its power supply are to blame.
A spokesman said the organisation was first made aware of the problem in October last year. Some restoration work has now taken place.
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
However, TfGM is still waiting for delivery of a new motor for the clock to ensure it is “back to full working order”. That motor is expected to be fitted in early February, the spokesman added.
The cost of the repairs is expected to be around £6,000. This is to be funded through the TfGM’s repair and maintenance budget.
The condition of the clock has sparked conversation on social media in recent weeks, with residents reminiscing about its role in the community in days gone by. The tower was lauded as a “great meeting place”, with one person saying she used to meet “friends and boyfriends” under it “for many years” in her teens.
One man added that his friend had once “climbed up it one drunken Saturday night”.
A second said he used to work at Altrincham Station. He added: “It was the station staff’s job to look after this clock. Each Saturday we [wound] up the weight to keep it ticking over.”
(Image: Manchester Evening News)
The TfGM spokesman said: “We were first made aware of issues with the clock’s power supply in October 2025, and this has since been restored. We are currently awaiting the delivery of a new motor to ensure the clock is back to full working order, and we are expecting this to be fitted in early February.”