Edmonds Clock Tower

Not to be confused with the Victorian clock tower on Victoria Street, this riverside clock is one of several gifts to the people of Christchurch by philanthropic manufacturer Thomas Edmonds, through his Riverbank Improvement Scheme, which also included a telephone 'cabinet', drinking fountain, and the Band Rotunda. The Riverbank Improvement Scheme was conducted in in 1929, to mark a half century of booming fortunes for the Edmonds factory and family. The unusual aspect of the heritage-listed Clock Toweris that it is made from stone in what was called the 'free style, by architect Francis Willis. It does appear to have a nod to the traditional Christchurch Gothic which was shunned completely in Edmonds other projects, which contribute architectural variety to the city.

The stone itself was certainly not the traditional Halswell, as it was reported some came from there but also from the Rakaia Gorge, Glenmore, Otira Gorge, Lake Kanierie, the Heathcote Valley, the Buller Gorge, Nelson, Alford Forest, Gore Bay, Peninsula Bays, Connemara (Ireland) and from the Vatican, Rome. The stonemason who sculpted gargoyles and various words on the tower was William Trethewey.

At the time the street name on this stretch of the Avon was called Poplar Crescent, the name stemming from the coincidence that this corner of the Avon is populated by Poplar Trees, and Edmonds having hailed from the Poplar District in London. Not far away there remains a Poplar Street and (an earthquake replacement) Poplars Hotel.

Damage done to the clock tower during the earthquakes was repaired by 2015 by the owners, Christchurch City Council. Post-quake improvements in this area capitalise on the work of Edmonds Riverbank Improvement Scheme of 90 years earlier, with the regeneration authorities determined that Christchurch should 'turn to face the Avon.' In this area, Rauora Park, The East Frame, and Margaret Mahy Playground have brought more new life.