Town's landmark 1960s clock tower could get listed status

An application to list Shipley's clock tower, which was built in 1960-61, has been made by the 20th Century Society

A landmark early-1960s clock tower which has been described as a "totem of mid-century design" could be given listed status to protect it for the future.

The building, in Shipley, West Yorkshire, was one of just four free-standing clock towers in the UK when it was opened by TV star Bruce Forsyth in 1961.

The 20th Century Society said it had applied for the listing to Historic England after hearing about work planned to regenerate the town's Market Square.

If the building was listed, it would protect it from being demolished and would mean it would have the same status as many of Bradford's Victorian buildings.

Bradford Council published its draft development framework for Shipley in 2023, which set out aspirations for the town's future.

Suggestions included the redevelopment of the market hall and creating a new viewing platform in the market square clock tower.

A £4m refurbishment of the town's market square was approved earlier this month.

Plans to refurbish Shipley's market square have already been approved

The 20th Century Society said the construction of the clock tower between 1960 and 1961 was a historically significant attempt "to revitalise a struggling, de-industrialised northern town centre".

A spokesperson for the group added that it was "a fabulous Festival of Britain-style totem of mid-century modern design".

The society's application to Historic England stated: "The market hall is of architectural interest as a well-preserved, high-quality 'festival style' building, its clock tower having landmark qualities and a strong civic presence.

"The clock tower stands up very well against listed post-war examples and would bring value to the group as none of those already listed are located in the north of England."

The society's spokesperson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the market square transformation plans "should really help revitalise the Civic Quarter", adding that the plan to have a viewing platform in the tower would be "a terrific addition".

"All the post-war clock towers that are nationally listed are in the south of England or the Midlands, with none in the north of England," they said.

"Adding Shipley to that list would help redress a glaring regional imbalance, and celebrate a much-loved local landmark."

Historic England has not yet indicated when it would consider the application by the 20th Century Society.

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