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An artist s impression of how the Jumbo Water Tower could look
- Credit: Purcell Architects
This is how the iconic Jumbo Water Tower could look under plans to restore it as a premium gateway to Colchester .
Recent surveys have shown signs of deterioration at the “nationally important” Balkerne Water Tower, which is more commonly known as the Jumbo.
The site, which dates back to 1883, is one of the tallest water towers in England - but has been empty for more than 35 years.
However, the Grade II Listed landmark appears to have been thrown a lifeline - with the tower set to get £1million from the £18.2m windfall for Colchester in the government s Town Deal Fund.
“Across the public space there will be a choice of places to have a coffee in the revitalised Balkerne Square, before popping to the High Street for some retail therapy. “A trip to the top of Jumbo to take in the views and learn about Victorian Colchester, could be followed by dinner in the restaurant and then a show at the Mercury Theatre or a gig at the Arts Centre. “A restored Jumbo would complete the picture and help make the cultural “West End” a premium gateway to Colchester and a destination to be proud of. North Essex Heritage last month welcomed news the borough had won £18.2m funding from the Government’s Town Deal Fund.