A Towering Triumph: £550K Boost to Restore Colchester’s Iconic Jumbo Water Tower!

A Towering Triumph: £550K Boost to Restore Colchester’s Iconic Jumbo Water Tower!

Colchester’s skyline is about to shine a little brighter! Pam Cox MP has proudly welcomed the news that Historic England has awarded a £550,000 grant to help restore one of the city’s most beloved landmarks — the Jumbo Water Tower.

This exciting funding is a major step forward in bringing Jumbo back to life, preserving its rich history and transforming it into a vibrant space for the whole community to enjoy.

Pam Cox MP shared her delight at the news:

“The Jumbo Water Tower is a cherished symbol of Colchester’s rich heritage, and this funding will ensure it remains a vibrant part of our community for generations to come. My thanks go to everyone involved, especially North Essex Heritage, who are making the dream of securing Jumbo’s future a reality.”

Built in 1882 and towering 110 feet above the city, Jumbo is one of the tallest and most intact municipal water towers in England. Constructed with over 1.25 million bricks and 142 tons of iron, it served Colchester with clean water for over a century before falling into disuse in 1984.

Sadly, after standing empty for more than 35 years, Jumbo has suffered from serious wear and tear — including cracks in its cast iron tank and roof leaks causing timber decay. That’s why this restoration is so important.

This latest grant builds on earlier support from Historic England, including:

• £48,500 for urgent repairs

• £20,000 for structural surveys in 2020

It also complements £8 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund and £1.1 million in government grants, showing just how much support there is to save this iconic structure.

The restoration is being led by North Essex Heritage, who secured a 150-year lease on the building in 2021. Their vision? To transform Jumbo into a heritage and events venue that welcomes visitors and celebrates Colchester’s past.

Pam Cox MP added:

“Colchester is a city steeped in history — from Roman walls to our medieval castle. Jumbo is a testament to Victorian engineering and a symbol of our community’s resilience. This restoration will not only preserve Jumbo but also boost Colchester’s appeal as a cultural and tourist destination. I can’t wait to see Jumbo stand tall once again, full of life and pride.”