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10th July 2025

The Time Ball on Hull’s Guildhall tower will be temporarily removed to undergo essential repairs following a mechanical fault.

Hull’s Guildhall Time Ball is a unique design, the only such timepiece on a municipal building, the highest in the UK and one of a handful still in existence today. The Time Ball was refurbished in 2023 after having not functioned for 100 years. But following a fault in March the contractor, Smith of Derby returned to undertake detailed inspections and determine the root cause.

To complete the necessary works, the Time Ball will need to be removed and transported to the contractor’s workshop, where the upgraded components will be installed and tested under controlled conditions. This approach is intended to minimise the risk of future issues. Once testing is complete, the Time Ball will be returned to the Guildhall and reinstalled.

The original contractor Smith of Derby is covering the cost of the repairs with no expense to Hull City Council. The removal operation will require a road closure on Lowgate, outside The Guildhall, on Sunday 13 July from 8am to 4pm.

Councill Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said: “It is disappointing that the internal parts have failed, causing the Time Ball to stop working. However, the council is committed to ensuring this historic feature is restored to full working order. We appreciate the public’s patience while this essential work is carried out.”

Paul Litchfield, from Smith of Derby, said: “While the mechanism that controls the rise and fall of the time ball may appear simple from the outside, the internal system is in fact highly complex. It uses advanced magnetic technology to allow the ball to levitate, generating forces that, over time, have led to an unforeseen failure in a low-maintenance bearing. This component is integral to both the internal drive mechanism and the time ball assembly itself.

“It’s important to note that all components of the time ball were thoroughly tested prior to installation. However, it is extremely difficult to fully replicate the stresses and strains the structure experiences once exposed to the real-world effects of temperature fluctuations, weather, and coastal conditions.

“Removing the time ball is not a decision we take lightly. However, it is a necessary and critical step to ensure that all components are upgraded to the same specification. This will help guarantee the long-term performance, reliability, and longevity of the time ball.”

The Guildhall Time Ball is a cherished part of Hull’s heritage, and the council looks forward to its return and continued operation as a symbol of the city’s maritime history.

Residents and visitors are advised to plan alternative routes during the road closure and the council thanks everyone for their patience while these important works are completed.

Diversions: via George Street, Vernon Street, Queens Dock Avenue, Alfred Gelder or Alfred Gelder Street, Great Union Street and George Street.