Expert joins the Jumbo project

The charity working on the restoration and renaissance of Colchester’s historic Jumbo water tower has enlisted an expert and author to support the exciting project.

Brian Light, who has devoted more than 20 years to researching Jumbo and has written a book about the much-loved Victorian tower, will become North Essex Heritage’s Consultant Archivist.

The charity has leased the disused Balkerne Water Tower, affectionately known as Jumbo, for 150 years. It plans to convert the tower, which is of national heritage importance, into a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space for everyone to enjoy.

In 2006 Brian Light and others established The Balkerne Tower Trust to fight for public access to Jumbo which is on the Heritage at Risk register.

Simon Hall MBE DL, Chair of North Essex Heritage, said:

“We are delighted that Brian is to become Consultant Archivist to the Jumbo Project. His expertise makes him the best person to collate and document the fascinating materials relating to this unique building.

“One of our key ambitions is to provide access to Jumbo for all and introduce people to Colchester’s heritage assets. As a teacher with expert knowledge of Jumbo, Brian will help us develop our outreach programmes through construction to completion and beyond.

“Brian and the Balkerne Tower Trust’s successful application to upgrade Jumbo to a Grade II* listing, and their determination over many years to oppose inappropriate development has helped give North Essex Heritage the platform to drive the project forwards.”