The earthquake on Tuesday, 22 February 2011 caused significant damage to the Timeball Station. This is on top of the damage sustained during the 4 September 2010 quake. We thank everyone who has contacted us to express their concern over the condition of this internationally significant building, and for the welfare and well-being of the people affected by this event.
It is with enormous regret that the NZHPT advised on 4 March 2011 that the Timeball Station will be dismantled. The decision is based on specialist engineering information and guidance, as any decision about heritage buildings damaged in the quake should be. Public safety is paramount, and the building is too dangerous to do otherwise.
The NZHPT remains hopeful that the Timeball mechanism can be recovered, and is looking at options for the reconstruction of the tower.
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Update 3 February 2012
A significant part of Lyttelton’s maritime history, the timeball that stood atop the Timeball Station at Officers Point, will be on display at the Canterbury Museum as part of the Museum's Canterbury Earthquake exhibition.
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Update 13 June 2011
Lyttelton’s historic Timeball Station’s tower has collapsed following the magnitude 6 earthquake that struck Christchurch at 2.20pm today. While some of the building remains standing, the site is too dangerous to enter at this time for an assessment of its state to take place. Public safety is paramount.
Fortunately, Timeball Station staff and contractors working at the site are safe and there has been no damage reported to surrounding properties from the collapse.
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The Timeball Station Facebook page is proving very popular as it provides up-to-date information on the dismantling work of the Lyttelton landmark. You don't have to be a Facebook member to see this page - just make it a favourite to check in and see what's new.
The Timeball's story....
Like a Scottish castle dominating the scenic port of Lyttelton, the Timeball Station is one of the few of its kind left in the world.
From 1876 to 1934 a ball dropped from its mast on its stone tower, signalling the time to ships in Lyttelton Harbour. Visual time signals were important features of many of the world's ports, being necessary to correct ships' chronometers and ensure accurate navigation. The timeball apparatus came from the well-known German firm Siemens Bros, and the astronomical clock from Edward Dent & Co. of London, who had made the Big Ben clock. Use of the timeball was discontinued in 1934 when it was replaced by radio signals, though flag signals continued until 1941. The flags, which predated the Timeball Station, were used on the flagstaff nearby to signal to ships and to communicate shipping advice to the town.
A fine example of Victorian technology, the Timeball Station is today one of only five in the world known to be still in working order. It is a rare piece of maritime history, fabulously restored and boasting spectacular views over Lyttelton Harbour.
View 360° tours of the Timeball Station
Flags
Rooftop
Kitchen