Council opts to cancel Wachner Place clock tower redevelopment

Invercargill City Council has agreed not to proceed with the planned redevelopment of the Wachner Place clock tower, citing the challenging economic climate and the need to reduce discretionary spending.

In November 2023, following public consultation, Council had approved changes to the Wachner Place and Esk St West areas, which allowed one-way access for tour buses through Wachner Place from Dee St to Esk St West.

As part of that decision, Council had agreed in principle to move the clock in Wachner Place as part of the redevelopment.

At Council’s Infrastructure and Growth Committee meeting, elected members were scheduled to determine a preferred design and budget option in order for the project to proceed. Three options for the clock tower redevelopment were set to be considered by elected members, with the options ranging in cost from approximately $1.2 to $1.3 million.

However, Councillors instead voted unanimously to forgo moving forward with the project.

Infrastructure and Growth Committee Chair, Councillor Alex Crackett, said while the previous Council had agreed in principle to proceed with the clock tower redevelopment, the economic climate - both at home and further afield - had changed significantly in that time.

“The planned redevelopment of the Wachner Place clock tower generated a range of perspectives and viewpoints, both around the Council table and within the wider community, all of which raised valid points about the best next steps,” she said.

"In the current economic climate, Council’s priority has to remain focused on essential infrastructure and core services. While the Wachner Place clock tower redevelopment has merit, and had been planned and budgeted for accordingly, it’s important that we direct investment where it is needed the most in our community.”

Council had allocated $4.024 million in its 2024-2034 Long-term Plan for work in Esk St West as part of its City Streets Upgrade programme.

In 2025, Council also reached an agreement with the developer of the now-operational Distinction Hotel, which confirmed Council’s contribution of $2 million for the redevelopment of the area, and set out the developer’s responsibilities. This included the demolition of the existing clock tower structure, providing a suitable new foundation and structural frame for the new clock tower, as well as the development and delivery of streetscape elements in Esk St West and Wachner Place.

“The decision before the committee wasn’t an easy one, and the choice we made had to stand the test of time. It was about weighing up a number of trade-offs, including considerations such as the historical significance of the clock to our city's only civic square and the remediation that will now be required at the site, and carefully making a decision that Council could stand behind in terms of immediate and future value for the city,” Crackett said.

“We know households are under pressure, and it’s critical that Council reflects that in its decision-making.”

The committee’s recommendation not to move forward with the reinstatement of the clock in Wachner Place, but instead seek alternative options for its relocation and complete remedial landscape paving work at the site, would be presented at a full Council meeting on 28 April.