The Clock Tower

Currently nestled under scaffolding, The Clock Tower is a former Adult Education College whose rather grand exterior dominates the High Street. I used to do yoga here (before heading off to The White Horse afterwards for a pint — oops!) and it ran all sorts of classes — wine appreciation, life drawing, languages, keep fit etc until just over 2 years ago when it became obvious from the chunks of roof coming away that it needed some fairly major refurbishment. Thankfully the building itself has been saved and it’s hoped that the space will be transformed into a rather exciting mixed development consisting of a up to three restaurants, a cookery school, a public square and 10 luxury apartments. The Clock Tower itself was constructed in 1881 as a school and designed by Martin & Chamberlain in gothic red brick and terracotta. According to local records the actual clock face was made just a few doors away. The building was closed as a school after 1961 — here’s hoping its next incarnation will be a successful one.