Big Ben team set to restore historic Earlestown Town Hall Clock
The bells of Earlestown's iconic clock tower are ringing again - intermittently for now - as specialist horologists from The Cumbria Clock Company reinstall the overhauled clock mechanism along with some new upgrades in the Grade II listed Earlestown Town Hall.
Article date: 9 March 2026
The same team that restored Big Ben's bells and clockwork has been working on Earlestown Town Hall's clock mechanisms as part of the building's restoration and extension, a project led by main contractor HH Smith & Sons. Testing, which will start on 10 March 2026, will see the bell ring at irregular intervals rather than keeping time - a phase that marks a significant milestone before the historic chimes return to their full schedule.
The Earlestown Town Hall project forms part of a long-term Earlestown regeneration programme being delivered by St Helens Borough Council and ECF - a partnership between Homes England, Legal & General and Muse - backed by £20million from the Government's Levelling Up Fund and £8million match funding from St Helens Borough Council.
The current phase of works on Earlestown Town Hall began in 2025 and is due to complete by summer's end 2026.
Councillor Kate Groucutt, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Business and Inclusive Growth at St Helens Borough Council, said:"Hearing those bells ring again, even in testing, is a powerful moment for Earlestown. This building has been at the heart of the community for over 130 years, and now we're bringing it back to life in a way that honours that history while giving it a real future. When the clock chimes properly again, it'll be the sound of a much-loved community asset that's working for people once more."
Matt Whiteley, Senior Development Manager at ECF, said: "Having the same team that worked on Big Ben restoring our clock mechanism along with HH Smith & Sons reflects the quality of craftsmanship going into this project. Hearing the bells ring during testing is a significant milestone - it means we're closer to bringing this building fully back into use for Earlestown.
Mike Smith, Project Manager at HH Smith & Sons, said:"Restoring the clock tower has been one of the most rewarding parts of the project for our team. The level of care and craftsmanship required to carefully repair and reinstate such a historic feature has been significant, and hearing the bells ring again during testing is a proud moment for everyone involved. It's a reminder that this refurbishment is not just about construction work - it's about preserving an important landmark and helping return Earlestown Town Hall to the heart of the community for generations to come."
The restored Town Hall will house a mixed-use performance and events space, flexible co-working facilities and meeting rooms for local businesses, plus a new courtyard garden with cafe. A further £1.1 million from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme will replace the building's heating and lighting with sustainable, cost-effective systems.
Designed by local architect Thomas Beesley and built between 1892-93 by R Neill & Sons of Manchester at a cost of £10,200, the Town Hall, which features a red brick facade, slate roofs and a distinctive tower has been a landmark in the town for over 130 years.