Politicians take tour of restored John Summers Clock Tower at former Shotton steelworks
The Grade II-listed John Summers Clock Tower at the former Shotton Steelworks site has been restored following years of dereliction, after auction company Wilsons Auctions took over the site in 2020.
Jack Sargeant MS, who represents Alyn and Deeside, and Ken Skates MS, Cabinet Secretary for Transport and North Wales, were invited to tour the renovated building by Business Development Manager Tony Hall and Senior Operations Manager David Williams.
The Clock Tower first opened in 1907 and served as the general office for Shotton Steelworks, overlooking the River Dee.
Following its closure in 2009, the building fell into serious disrepair before Wilsons Auctions acquired the wider site.
The company chose to prioritise the restoration of the listed building and has preserved a number of original features, including living quarters at the top of the tower.
The tour also showcased a staircase which Wilsons Auctions says was designed by White Star Line.
Further restoration works are planned, including returning the clock itself to working order.
Jack Sargeant MS said: “It’s amazing, the transformation is incredible.”
“The site, and particularly the Clock Tower, are a massive part of local history and it’s brilliant to see it restored to its former glory.”
“The company doesn’t currently operate from the Clock Tower itself but chose to prioritise its restoration, and the results are remarkable.”
Ken Skates MS said: “Against all the odds, a number of the original features have been saved and it’s clear an incredible amount of work has been done to ensure that the renovation work has stayed true to the original building.”
“The attention to detail is amazing.”
“The company has invested significantly in this project and they’ve breathed new life into one of Wales’ most iconic buildings.”
Wilsons Auctions is a family-owned company which says it has grown from a single site in Northern Ireland in 1936 to become the largest independent auction company in the UK and Ireland, with an annual hammer total it reports at in excess of £620m.
The company also works with the Home Office and National Crime Agency to auction assets seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act.
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