An iconic structure in Colchester will be opened to the public for the first time in 50 years. The monumental Jumbo water tower in Colchester is the last intact structure of its kind from a ‘golden age’ of industrial water engineering.
Standing at 131 feet tall – roughly ten elephants or nine double-decker buses stacked on top of each other – it towers over much of the Colchester skyline. It has been closed to the public for decades but an £8m grant will restore and convert the Grade II listed tower and make it accessible to the public as a heritage and events space.
Visitors will be able to access stunning views across Essex’s newest city with cash allowing for improvements to access to all levels. News of the grant has been described as “a game changer” for the city by Simon Hall MBE of the Colchester North East Essex Heritage group.
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Delivery plans include carrying out work to convert and facilitate year-round use as a commercially viable and accessible heritage and events venue. It was given it’s affectionate ‘Jumbo’ name after the London Zoo elephant.
Jumbo is one of seven newly funded projects across the UK saving outstanding architecture and much-loved local buildings at risk. The Victorian tower was completed in 1883 and remained in its original use until 1984, bringing clean water to the city for drinking and firefighting.
The tower could soon open to the public for the first time in 50 years
(Image: B3 Architects/North Essex Heritage)
Mr Hall added: “It will enable us to save this unique piece of industrial heritage and transform the way our communities engage with Colchester’s history and future. Thanks to Lottery players, Jumbo will become a leading destination and a resource for the community, with life changing opportunities to get involved and learn skills. The funding will ensure we can inspire future generations and diverse groups, attract visitors, provide jobs and create a financially sustainable asset.”
Eilish McGuinness, Chief Executive, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “It is wonderful to start the New Year investing in projects that are saving heritage treasures across the UK, with decades of shared memories these exceptional buildings will be repurposed for the 21st century at the centre of communities and places.
“From a monumental Victorian water tower in Colchester and an iconic architectural landmark within Edinburgh’s World Heritage site, to Kingsley Hall in Bristol’s Old Market – we are working with those who care for heritage transforming historic gems and positively adding to wellbeing and educational opportunities for young people, making heritage the focus of communities, places and the UK economy.
“Thanks to money raised from National Lottery players over the last 30 years, we have awarded £3.3bn to more than 10,300 historic building and monument projects for the long-term, helping to ensure heritage is valued, cared for and sustained for everyone, now and in the future.”