The ‘real reason’ so many supermarkets in the UK have clock towers

Many across the UK are all linked by the niche design of a clock tower.

An architectural rule laid out in 1970 meant nearly all stores built pre-2000 have the decorative feature, as well as a barn-like structure.

The clock rule can be accredited to one particular branch of Asda in a town in Essex.

Supermarkets were imported from the US post war as a fairly new innovation, with the earliest builds being extremely unattractive,

However, during the mid-1970’s, a design rule put an end to the unpleasant, functional buildings.

The new town of South Woodham Ferrers was being laid out in Essex when planners published a strict guide for architects to ensure the community looked presentable, reports.

Filmmaker Chris Spargo told outlet how the council wanted to place a supermarket next to the town square, but they had a very strict design guide which required all buildings to have “specific Essex characteristics”.

He said: “So Asda came up with an idea. 15 miles away in a town called Coggeshall, there is a 14th century barn and a Victorian clock tower.

Despite admitting there is no conclusive proof of Asda bosses drawing inspiration from these two buildings, supermarkets around across the UK seem to be a replica.

Mr Spargo explains how the one-off design was intended to complement the architecture of just one town, yet turned into the accidental template for supermarkets around the country.

However, the design began to fade over the last few decades with new, more modern buildings taking its place. The filmmaker says how glass-and-steel buildings are much cheaper to build.

He adds: “More recent supermarkets occasionally have clock towers, but that’s just because it’s kind of an expected thing now.””