A succession of private owners proposed schemes for Jumbo after it was decommissioned as a water tower, but none came to fruition. In 2021 the tower was leased to North Essex Heritage in an effort to save it.
This Victorian masterpiece in Colchester has been on the Buildings at Risk register for 30+ years. As a Grade II* listed building, it is one of the top 6% of the most important heritage assets in the country.
Simon Hall MBE DL
Chair of North Essex Heritage
The Jumbo Project from North Essex Heritage will give Jumbo a sustainable future which preserves its special character. With the cooperation of its owner, Colchester City Council and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, we have updated our plans for this special building.
North Essex Heritage has been given £250,000 development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to work on its plans to restore Jumbo and transform it into a heritage and community space. The funding has been awarded to help us progress our plans to apply for a full National Lottery grant later.
Disused for 40 years, Jumbo is in urgent need of repair and restoration.
North Essex Heritage has leased Jumbo for 150 years with the aim of setting up a commercially viable operation to pay for the building’s upkeep once it has been restored. The building will be run as a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space. Jumbo will be a fully accessible heritage attraction, so everyone can admire the remarkable engineering and stunning views or join in community activities.
We are listening to and engaging with our communities, assembling our team of experts, making grant applications, and developing partnerships. Essential repairs continue, and restoration work will start once major funding, planning permission and listed building consent are in place. Around £2m will be needed from public donations and fundraising.
The water tower has been adopted as a Towns Fund project and this has provided financial support to appoint a full Design Team and Project Managers to work with North Essex Heritage and Colchester City Council.
In recent years The Jumbo Project has received valuable advice and financial support from Historic England, The Architectural Heritage Fund and The Pilgrim Trust.
North Essex Heritage is the operating name of Colchester & North East Essex Building Preservation Trust.
Sketch section showing activity throughout Jumbo
Image Credit: Purcell
Sketch section showing activity throughout Jumbo
Image Credit: Purcell
Local charity North Essex Heritage has submitted a National Lottery Heritage Enterprise Grant application to save Jumbo for Colchester and the nation.
The Jumbo Project will restore the derelict Grade ll* listed building and transform it into an accessible heritage attraction. Complementary commercial uses will add to visitor revenue and so ensure financial sustainability.
Supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, UK Government grants (Town Deal) and other sources, the prospect of saving Jumbo for the future is finally within sight.
A new lift and staircase will allow everyone to access the historic water tank and engineers’ room. An additional floor will accommodate equipment and toilets. A small reception area is planned on the ground floor.