Plans unveiled to reopen iconic Colchester water tower to public for first time in 50 years

Plans Unveiled to Reopen Iconic Colchester Water Tower to Public

The historic Jumbo water tower in Colchester will welcome visitors after 50 years, thanks to an £8m restoration grant.

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Colchester, UK, Jumbo Water Tower, Heritage, National Lottery

Colchester: Exciting news! The Jumbo water tower, a beloved landmark, is set to open its doors to the public for the first time in 50 years. This impressive structure is the last of its kind from a golden age of water engineering.

Standing tall at 131 feet, it’s like stacking ten elephants or nine double-decker buses! It’s been closed for ages, but thanks to an £8 million grant, it’s getting a makeover to become a heritage and events space.

Once it’s open, visitors will enjoy breathtaking views of Essex. The funding will also help improve access to all levels of the tower. Simon Hall MBE from the Colchester North East Essex Heritage group called this grant a game changer for the city.

Plans are in place to turn the tower into a year-round venue that’s both commercially viable and accessible. The tower got its nickname “Jumbo” after an elephant from the London Zoo, which is pretty cute!

Jumbo is one of seven projects across the UK getting funding to save important buildings at risk. Built in 1883, it provided clean water to Colchester until 1984, playing a vital role in the city’s history.

Mr. Hall mentioned that this project will help preserve a unique piece of industrial heritage and engage the community with Colchester’s past and future. It’s all about creating opportunities for learning and involvement.

Eilish McGuinness, the Chief Executive of The National Lottery Heritage Fund, expressed her excitement about investing in projects that save heritage treasures. She highlighted how these buildings will be repurposed for modern use while remaining central to their communities.

Thanks to National Lottery players, over the last 30 years, £3.3 billion has been awarded to more than 10,300 historic projects, ensuring that our heritage is valued and preserved for everyone.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.essexlive.news/news/essex-news/plans-unveiled-reopen-iconic-colchester-9860115