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Swiss clock is behind schedule
Setback for return of Leicester Square landmark as ‘ugly’ designs are rejected
SWISS timekeeping is said to be the best in the world, but when it comes to keeping the reinstallation of the London’s most famous clock on schedule, Leicester Square’s glockenspiel, it’s about as reliable as a sundial in the snow.
Planning chiefs were earlier this month due to sign off proposals to restore the chiming timepiece to pride of place in the square – ending a two-year saga of where to put it following the demolition of the Swiss Centre.
But the plans were mothballed at the 11th hour following a tide of opposition over the “ugly” designs.
Architects firm Atkins had designed a 25ft tall, 40ft wide steel structure as a new pedestal for the glockenspiel clock – now in gleaming condition after a hibernation in its motherland.
Following a characteristic dose of diplomacy by the Swiss government, the designs were due to go before planners earlier this month, but were pulled after attracting criticism from residents’ groups and English Heritage, who warned it would spoil local views.
The “Glockenspiel Gateway”, featuring a Swiss railway-style clock on one face, and a medieval-style clock on the Westminster face, was planned to stand alone in one corner of the square. Alongside it would 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 would be dressed in the national costumes of the four linguistic regions of Switzerland.
Colin Bennett, chairman of the Leicester Square Association, said: “It is heavy-handed and not in keeping with the other buildings around it. It virtually blocks out the line of vision between Leicester Square and Piccadilly Circus. It looks like something school children would come up with or one of those film premieres – up one night, down the next installations.
“It is an unnecessarily ugly piece of work, a very clumsy design.”
A document that was due to go before planners said: “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 among 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 clock was sent to London in 1985. 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.
Atkins declined to comment. The firm are now expected to submit fresh designs.
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