Key work ongoing on Stanley Park’s Grade II-listed Cocker Clock Tower

One of the most distinctive features of Blackpool’s Stanley Park is being renovated to coincide with the park’s centenary later this year.

The Cocker Memorial Clock Tower is a 26-meter (85-foot) tall, Grade II-listed landmark opened in 1927 to honour Dr. William Henry Cocker, Blackpool’s first mayor and a key figure in the town’s 19th-century development. 

Designed by Lionel Budden, it acts as a focal point linking the park’s south gate to the Italian garden.

Visitors to the park, which is also Grade II-listed, will notice the tower is currently supported by scaffolding.

A spokesman for Blackpool Council explained: “Restoration and maintenance works include the clock mechanism being fixed, and the clock face restored. 

“The scaffolding is to enable access to the clock face. There have also been some internal improvements to the inside of the tower, including some lighting and redecorating.”

A schedule of maintenance and restoration works at the park will be delivered throughout the year, with Blackpool Council investing a massive £500,000 in additional maintenance during the anniversary year, including £50,000 raised by the Friends of Stanley Park. 

This includes the repairs to the Cocker Clock and the water fountain feature within the Italian Gardens, supporting the ongoing preservation of key historic assets and ensuring the park continues to be enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations to come.

The aim is for works on the Cocker Clock Tower to be completed by later this summer.

Major celebrations – backed by the £500,000 investment – are being planned this year to mark the centenary year of the park.

They will include a two day event in October and an ongoing programme of special activities throughout the year.

The park, which covers 390 acres, was officially opened on October 2 1926 by the 17th Earl of Derby. 

Designed and built under the eye of Thomas Mawson, an eminent garden designer and landscape architect, it has often been called the jewel in

Blackpool’s crown and has also attained national recognition and importance.

With its Italian Gardens, Art Deco Cafe, swan lake and iconic band stand, the park also boasts an upgraded BMX track, skate park and play area.

Now the special two-day centenary celebration is being planned for Friday October 2 and Saturday October 3 to ensure the town is able to make the most of the milestone, along with the other activities.

A steering group is already in place, which includes the Friends of Stanley Park, the focus of which is to put together a programme of events and attract investment in the physical infrastructure of the park in the lead up to the centenary date.