Hull City Council provides update on Guildhall Time Ball
Hull City Council has provided an update on the Guildhall Time Ball, six months after it was removed from the city centre landmark.
Last updated 11th Feb 2026
The 50kg golden ball, which usually crowns Hull City Council’s headquarters, has been missing since July 2025. The Time Ball is a treasured part of Hull’s maritime history, traditionally used to help sailors set their chronometers accurately.
Today, it is meant to rise daily between 12:57 and 13:00 in homage to the city’s maritime heritage.
After being broken for over a century, the Time Ball underwent a £400,000 refurbishment in 2023, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the council.
However, it soon stopped functioning again. Inspections carried out in spring 2025 revealed further mechanical issues, and in July the ball was removed for repair work.
Cllr Mike Ross, Leader of Hull City Council, said:
“Smith of Derby, the specialist contractor appointed to reinstate the Guildhall Time Ball, has carefully dismantled the damaged components and is collaborating with overseas manufacturers to design, build, and rigorously test an upgraded operating system for the historic timepiece.
“Due to the unique internal design of the mechanism, this work requires intricate planning and the creation of bespoke, precision-engineered parts. These elements must undergo comprehensive testing to ensure the long-term reliability and performance of the Time Ball once it is restored.”
Six months on, residents and visitors are still awaiting its return, which may coincide with Hull’s celebrations of its maritime heritage in 2026, alongside the reopening of Queen’s Gardens and the Maritime Museum.