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Council approves Jumbo water tower renovations

Henry Godfrey-Evans
BBC News, Essex
BBC/Laura Foster An imposing water tower built out of bricks looms over a grass area, some small bollards, some houses and cars. BBC/Laura Foster
The structure was erected in 1883 using 1.25 million bricks

A council has granted listed building consent allowing England's largest municipal water tower to be repaired and redeveloped.

Colchester City Council's decision comes after the Victorian water tower, nicknamed Jumbo, was awarded an £8m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

The planned upgrades to the tower in Balkerne Gate, Colchester, include ground floor development between its legs, a new staircase and lift, fire safety cladding and improved accessibility.

North Essex Heritage hopes to make the building a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space and make it a "commercially viable operation".

Laura Foster/BBC A downward view of a spiralling metal staircase inside the water towerLaura Foster/BBC
Plans were approved following an £8m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

The Grade II-listed structure, built in 1883 using 1.25 million bricks, stands at 40m (131ft) tall.

It was decommissioned more than 30 years ago and has been on the buildings-at-risk register.

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