A DISUSED water tower once earmarked to be a climbing centre will be refurbished and converted into offices.

Colchester Council has approved plans submitted for the 19th century octagonal tower in Butt Road include a two-storey extension on the east side of the water tower which would be linked by a low, glazed area.

The inside, which currently measures 450 sq ft, will have office space on the ground and first floors.

The water tower is featured on Colchester’s Local List, a register of heritage assests which although unsuitable to be called a Listed Building, are considered historically or architecturally important to the town.

Plans had been submitted by applicant David Newton who lives in Nayland.

Previous mooted blueprints for the building had included a climbing centre featuring a wall, boulder room, reception and café which was submitted in 2014.

But shortly before the application was due to be decided, the planning agents withdrew their proposal.