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Artist’s impression of the Glockenspiel Gateway |
It’s time for famous Swiss clock to return to Leicester Square
‘Glockenspiel Gateway’ looks set to get the go-ahead
THE ongoing saga of the famous Swiss Glockenspiel clock in Leicester Square has taken another twist.
After chiming daily for more than 20 years, the figurine clock was stopped for good last October, following the demolition of the Swiss Centre, and transported back to its motherland to be repaired.
Since then the clock’s fate has been uncertain, with rumours circulating that Swiss timekeeping wasn’t all it was cracked up to be – apparently it had lost a few minutes during the cross-Channel journey.
But following some workshop magic and a surge of diplomacy from the Swiss government, the Glockenspiel will now stand alone in its own striking archway at one corner of Leicester Square as a “symbol of everlasting friendship and unity” between the two nations.
Planning chiefs are expected to sign off proposals later this month for the “Glockenspiel Gateway”, which will feature a Swiss railway-style clock on one face, and a medieval-style clock on the Westminster face.
Alongside it will be four hand-carved wooden figures representing famous residents of the borough – Queen Victoria, the Lord Mayor, Sherlock Holmes and Charlie Chaplin. The figures on the Swiss side will be dressed in the national costumes of the four linguistic regions of Switzerland.
While the return of the clock has been welcomed, it seems the jury is still out over the design. Colin Bennett, chairman of the Leicester Square Association, said: “It looks like something schoolchildren would come up with or one of those film premiere, up one night, down the next installations. Visually I think it’s ugly.”
The document that will go before planners reads: “Unlike the limitations of the original building siting, the proposed portal design is able to combine a blend of contemporary and traditional features. These elements and animated ever-changing displays, will ensure that visitors to the Leicester Square area are able to enjoy a unique experience amongst the many attractions, inspired by the long and friendly relationship between Switzerland and the City of Westminster.”
The original Swiss Centre was built by the Swiss government in the 1960s.
The building was bought by British Land in 1994 for £23million, and then by the current developers McAleer & Rushie, who are transforming it into a five-star hotel. |
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