Team Colchester, a partnership between Colchester City Council and Essex County Council, has pledged an additional £100,000 towards the restoration of Colchester's iconic Jumbo Water Tower.
The investment reinforces both councils' commitment to one of Colchester's most significant heritage projects and will help strengthen the funding package for the restoration, supporting efforts to secure further grant and funding opportunities needed to bring the project to fruition.
Supporting a landmark restoration
The Jumbo Project, led by North Essex Heritage, aims to restore and transform the Grade II* listed Victorian water tower into a fully accessible heritage attraction, visitor destination, community space and events venue, securing a sustainable future for one of the city's best-loved landmarks.
The Jumbo Project, led by North Essex Heritage, aims to restore and transform the Grade II* listed Victorian water tower into a fully accessible heritage attraction, visitor destination, community space and events venue, securing a sustainable future for one of the city's best-loved landmarks.
The project will preserve an important part of Colchester's heritage while creating new opportunities for tourism, education, community engagement and economic growth.
Strengthening the funding package
North Essex Heritage has already secured significant investment towards the project, including a £11.3 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside previous support from Colchester City Council and other funding partners.
North Essex Heritage has already secured significant investment towards the project, including a £11.3 million grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, alongside previous support from Colchester City Council and other funding partners.
The additional £100,000 commitment from Team Colchester will help strengthen the overall funding package and demonstrate continued public sector backing for the project. This support is expected to improve the project's ability to attract further grants, investment and partner contributions that will help deliver the full restoration vision for Jumbo.
Cllr Paul Dundas, Leader of Colchester City Council, said: "Jumbo is one of Colchester's most recognisable landmarks and an important part of our city's heritage. This additional investment demonstrates our continued commitment to seeing the building restored and brought back into use for future generations.
"The project has the potential to create a unique visitor attraction, support our local economy, celebrate our history and provide new opportunities for residents and visitors to engage with this remarkable building.
"By strengthening the project's funding position, we can help create further opportunities to attract investment and support the long-term success of this important restoration."
Cllr Jeff Bray, Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Planning and Heritage at Essex County Council, said: "Jumbo is a landmark not just for Colchester but for Essex as a whole. The restoration project will protect an important piece of our shared heritage while creating new opportunities for learning, skills development, tourism and community engagement.
"We are pleased to work alongside our partners in Team Colchester to support this ambitious project and help create the confidence needed to secure further investment and ensure the long-term future of this iconic building."
Simon Hall, Chair of North Essex Heritage, said: "This commitment is another important step forward for The Jumbo Project. Strong backing from local partners demonstrates confidence in the vision for Jumbo and helps strengthen our case as we continue discussions with potential funders and supporters.
"Every contribution helps build momentum behind the project and brings us closer to delivering a restoration that reflects the significance of this remarkable heritage asset and secures its future for generations to come."
Bringing Jumbo back to life
Once restored, Jumbo will become a year-round destination, providing heritage interpretation, community activities, visitor experiences and events, while offering improved access throughout the structure and panoramic views across Colchester and Essex.
Once restored, Jumbo will become a year-round destination, providing heritage interpretation, community activities, visitor experiences and events, while offering improved access throughout the structure and panoramic views across Colchester and Essex.
The project will secure the future of a building that has stood at the heart of Colchester's skyline for 143 years and ensure it can be enjoyed by residents, visitors and future generations for decades to come.
Cllr David King, Deputy Leader of the Council and Portfolio Holder for Communities and Public Protection, added: "Alongside ambitions for St Botolph's Priory, the Natural History Museum and Holy Trinity Church, the restoration of Jumbo will help strengthen Colchester's heritage offer and create a more connected visitor experience across the city centre. Building on existing attractions including Colchester Castle, Hollytrees Museum and the city’s award-winning parks."