One of Highbury’s most recognisable landmarks is about to get a new lease of life.

The historic Jubilee clock tower at Highbury Barn is set to undergo a significant programme of refurbishment and repair, with work scheduled to begin at the end of June 2026. Over the years, the much-loved structure has stood proudly at the heart of the community and now it’s time to carefully restore it for future generations to enjoy.

A specialist heritage company will take on the task, beginning by dismantling the clock tower on site. Once taken down, it will be transported to a dedicated facility in Derby, where experts will carry out a full restoration.

This isn’t just a repair job, it’s a detailed conservation project. Every part of the clock tower will be carefully dismantled, cleaned and assessed. Specialists will analyse layers of historic paint to uncover the original colour scheme, uncovering details that may have been hidden for decades. The current paint finish dates from 1998, but there’s a strong possibility that it doesn’t reflect the tower’s original appearance.

As part of the restoration, the existing paint will be removed (with a small section preserved for the historical record), and the metalwork will be repaired and strengthened. Any corroded or worn fixings will be replaced, the structure will be repainted and regilded, and the clock itself will receive attention including the replacement of its light bulbs to keep it shining brightly.

Once complete, the restored clock tower will be returned to Highbury Barn and re-erected, potentially showcasing its original historic colour scheme for the first time in decades.

What to expect during the works

Work will begin on Monday 29 June 2026, with the dismantling process expected to take around a week. During this time, temporary fencing will be installed around the site to ensure safety. Once the clock tower has been removed, this will be replaced with protective hoarding.

The restoration itself will take several months, with the clock tower expected to return home and be reinstalled in the week beginning 22 March 2027.

While residents and visitors will notice its absence, the result will be well worth the wait — a beautifully restored landmark that continues to mark time at the heart of Highbury for years to come.