This search involved speaking to horologists all over the country, chasing tip-offs and poring over auction house catalogues and eventually the team sourced the majority of the parts needed.

Martin said: “The workings of the clock are made up of the central waiting train and master clock, the trickle charger, low voltage warning bell and batteries together with connecting rods and joints.

“Under the approved planning permission we had to find replacement parts from the same era and by the same maker – Gents of Leicester – to effectively replace, as far as possible, with like for like. We have achieved this with the exception of the connecting rods and a few joints so essentially, the working system will be pretty much as original.

“It has been quite a challenge but the excitement when one of us managed to track down a part was huge and the day we put everything back together was quite momentous for everyone involved.

“The mechanism is now all complete and being safely stored waiting for the day it can be installed and the clock can once again mark time for York.”

Conversion work on the tower is well underway to create 21 unique homes within the Grade II listed building and sales are due to launch through Savills in the New Year with the project complete by late summer.

PJ Livesey Managing Director Georgina Lynch said: “Terry’s is so much part of the history of York and the clock tower such a landmark that it will be a significant moment when the clock is working once again.

“It is huge tribute to the team from Smith of Derby that we have reached this point and to our teams who are now working on the building to create some truly lovely homes.

“Without this new use there was a danger of the buildings falling into decay so it will be lovely to see the tower lived in and loved just like the neighbouring Factory Building.”

PJ Livesey has ensured the space behind the clock face is accessible by lift and discussions about potential limited public access are now taking place with local heritage groups.

Read about the clock tower clock faces being restored here

Gavin added: “Sales will be handled by the Savills New Homes Team in York and there is such interest that a number of hard hat tours for interested buyers are being organised for December. We can’t wait to let people see inside!”

Just eight properties will be released in the first phase.

To ensure you receive the latest information about this one-off scheme please register your details here:

Work to convert the iconic clock tower at the former Terry’s Chocolate Factory in York is progressing well and the first homes in this landmark Grade II listed building will be launched for sale in spring 2022.

Interest in this very special development is high and with just 21 properties available we are encouraging people to register their interest to ensure access to special events and detailed information.

Group Sales Manager Gavin Pearce, said: “We can’t to wait to show the spaces that are being created here. Each of the apartments is different, some with terraces, others with private gardens while the upper floor duplexes will have magnificent views towards the city or across the racecourse.”

The clock tower is one of five Grade II listed buildings that make up the purpose-built Terry’s Factory estate next to the City’s racecourse. They include the main factory building, closed in 2005 and converted by us into 170 apartments in 2015. It is now one of York’s most sought after premier addresses with penthouses selling for more than £1million.

Prices for the homes at the Clock Tower will be released to people who have registered their interest later this month (December).

Gavin added: “Sales will be handled by the Savills New Homes Team in York and there is such interest that a number of hard hat tours for interested buyers are being organised for December. We can’t wait to let people see inside!”

Just eight properties will be released in the first phase.

To ensure you receive the latest information about this one-off scheme please register your details here: