Regular visitors to Civic Place and Parramatta Library may have noticed that the clock tower that once stood at the entrance of the car park has been removed. Because of the extensive redevelopment of Civic Place the clock was placed in storage by Council for possible future relocation.
The idea to place a clock in Civic Place was first recommended by the Town Clerk and City Engineer in 1984. Council approved of their recommendations and requested quotations for the construction of the clock. In April 1985, after quotations for the construction of the clock were submitted Council received a letter from A.R.C. Thomas. Alfred (Robin) Thomas was a well know businessman, long-term alderman and former Mayor of Parramatta. In his letter to Council he wrote;
“It has become apparent to the average citizen that it would be an added embellishment to the furnishings and dignity of the Civic Centre to have a four sided clock situated and built upon the flower bed at the T intersection between the Post Office and the Leigh Memorial Hall.”
In a remarkable gesture of generosity Thomas enclosed a cheque for $28,501 being full payment for the clock as a gift to the people of Parramatta.
Kevin J. Curtin & Partners (Architects) Pty. Ltd. were contracted to erect the clock which consisted of four faces and housed in a square casing supported by a single column. All the exposed elements are brass with sand blasted finish. The octagonal base was sandstone to compliment the Civic Building. The time piece was supplied by Seiko. Initially the clock was powered by two batteries which had to be changed every 100 days. By 1994 the clock was connected to electricity.
Clock donated to Parramatta by former Mayor A.R.C. Thomas. Previously located in Civic Place. Photograph by Peter Arfanis
Civic Place Clock Plaque located at the base of the clock
