COLCHESTER’S iconic water tower has been saved from the elements thanks to urgent repair work.

The Balkerne Water Tower, affectionately known as Jumbo, has undergone structural roof repairs amid plans to convert it into an exciting venue.

The crucial project to save the Grade II* listed building was undertaken after Historic England stepped in to provide grant funding worth £48,500 before Colchester Council added £10,000 from the Town Deal.

The landmark, which dates back to 1882, brought a reliable source of clean water to the population until its operations ceased in 1984.

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But having stood empty and unused for more than 35 years, the condition of the municipal water tower has significantly deteriorated, leading it to be placed on Historic England’s Heritage at Risk Register.

Experts said its cast iron water tank, which is showing signs of cracking and roof leaks causing timber decay as areas of particular concern.

The grant funding also enabled further surveys of the water tank and the building’s structural iron plates and beams.

This followed a project development grant of £20,000 awarded by Historic England in 2020 for in-depth structural surveys of the tower which stands at 110 feet tall.

Domenico d’Alessandro, Heritage at Risk surveyor at Historic England said: “We are pleased vital emergency repairs have been completed to make Jumbo watertight and prevent further deterioration whilst long-term plans continue to be developed.”

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North Essex Heritage, formally known as Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust, is now working with partners to restore Jumbo and convert it into a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space.

It was announced in December the building’s owner, Paul Flatman, had agreed to lease the water tower to North Essex Heritage for 150 years enabling this project to get underway.

Director of North Essex Heritage David Balcombe said: “These urgent repairs and surveys were necessary to reduce the immediate danger to the building but more than £1.5 million is needed just to carry out a full programme of repairs.

“In addition, further funding will be needed to convert the structure into something really amazing for Colchester.”