After three decades of standing tall near the intersection of Byron and Jonson Streets, the iconic Byron Bay Rotary clocktower will soon be temporarily dismantled. This is to make way for major drainage works.
Byron Shire Council confirmed that the clocktower, commissioned and partially funded by the Byron Bay Rotary Club in the 1990s, will be removed in early 2026. It will be rebuilt later that year once upgrades to the town’s main drainage line are complete.
“The clocktower was built by the late Ben King, a much-loved local and keen surfer, so it holds enormous sentimental value for the community,” said Claire McGarry, Place Manager for Byron Bay.
Engineers found that the existing structure could not withstand relocation. This prompted Council to collaborate with Rotary on plans for a new clocktower that preserves the spirit of the original.
The new structure will stand just a few metres from its current position. It will maintain the same proportions and reuse the original clockfaces and mechanism. The exterior will feature tiles or glazed bricks inspired by Byron Bay’s natural environment. These materials are chosen for both durability and resistance to vandalism.
“The new design reflects the town’s character while ensuring longevity,” Ms McGarry said. “Although the clocktower will come down early in 2026, reconstruction won’t begin until later in the year. This will happen once drainage works are finished.”
Further information about the clocktower project and the Byron Bay drainage upgrade can be found on Byron Shire Council’s website.
