Clock Tower - Flinders Street Railway Station, C. 1963
The Flinders Street Station clock tower, which terminates the vista south along Elizabeth Street, is a distinguished feature of this landmark Melbourne building. The clock tower was built in 1906-1907, as part of the construction of the station complex. The clock tower has a clock face on each side, and also contributing to its character are the rendered bands on the brick tower and the cupola on its top. This clock tower replaced an earlier one that also faced Elizabeth Street, which was known as the Water Clock Tower. The clock from that tower is now located at Southern Cross Station.
When this photograph of the Elizabeth and Flinders Streets intersection was taken in the 1960s, the station was facing an uncertain future. Over the coming decade plans were made for its redevelopment and removal. The way Flinders Street Station was valued at this time, at least architecturally, is perhaps best demonstrated by advertising signage for Huttons smallgoods and Sitmar cruises fixed to its ornate facade, detracting from its appearance. Melburnians have a greater appreciation of their station and its beauty today, reflected in the removal of signage from the façade, other conservation works and the improved floodlighting of the building at night. Moves to restore its fine old ballroom, preferably for community uses, will further enhance the value of Flinders Street Station.