Turn it into a toilet or a MacDonald's drive-thru – steam clock's future

Wednesday 22 June 2016

What do you do with a 20-year-old, record-breaking, 30 foot steam clock that cost a quarter of a million pounds but no longer works properly? That’s the problem facing the Ports of Jersey, and one it hopes you might be able to help it tackle.

Following a successful campaign asking Islanders what should happen to an obsolete radar dome that used to stand at La Moye, the press team who are responsible for both the airport and the harbours, are once again seeking help from the public. They’re now running a social media campaign to see what ideas islanders can come up with for Ariadne, the Steam Clock.

The clock – which stands on reclaimed land on St Helier’s North Quay near the Weighbridge – was commissioned in 1996 by the Jersey Waterfront Enterprise Board as part of a scheme to regenerate the area. Nearby warehouses had been converted into a maritime museum so it was thought the clock – which is a full-scale replica of a  section of a steamboat named the Ariadne, would add to the nautical theme and attract tourists.

At the time, the Guinness Book of Records listed it as the world’s largest steam clock.

Although it was originally steam-powered, and would blow and whistle, it was reportedly beset with problems very early on: parts broke and were difficult to replace; and operating costs allegedly made it uneconomical. It was later ‘converted’ to electricity, but has again stopped. 

You can comment on the Ports of Jersey Facebook page, or by e-mailing suggestions to ask@ports.je

Here are some of the suggestions so far:

Dom Arnold is one of the few who would like to see the clock saved. He’d like to see a café built next to it – maybe calling it the Steam Clock Café – and suggests the café’s profits could be used to repair and maintain the clock.

Derek Harvarde agrees with keeping it and the idea of a small refreshment area nearby with tables and chairs, but goes on to suggest the clock should also be turned around so it faces oncoming traffic.

Likewise Richard Cornick believes if we must keep the clock, it’d be better relocated. He suggests the roundabout at the top of the underpass where it would be more useful and be seen by more people.

Paul Le Claire’s idea is to put a slide on it to attract children’s use and turn the site into a play area. But Peter Moore believes that’s impractical because there’s a freight terminal entrance nearby.

Hugh Gill is one of the many who wants to see the clock go. Although he believes it’s important to keep the area as an open space. He says the clock has outgrown its relevance, should be dismantled and any good bits sold off.

Chris Le Marchand – simply says - sell it and get some money back.

Two of the more wacky suggestions are from Liz Lee – who wants to turn it into a toilet – and Roger Iddon – who would like to scrap it and build a McDonald’s drive-thru.

Finally, Ruth Collins is far more sceptical: she posts “there have been some good ideas here, unfortunately I suspect plans have already been finalized for the area – just wanting to make it look as if we the public have a voice – the truth is they treat us like idiots”.