COLCHESTER’S iconic Victorian water is arguably one of the town’s most photographed buildings.

These pictures capture the unique beauty of the Balkerne Water Tower, affectionately known as Jumbo, which towers over Colchester from its standpoint in Balkerne Gate.

It is the subject of a series of exciting projects with are bidding to breathe a new lease of life into it and convert the tower into an attractive venue.

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

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.

To remedy the myriad of issues, Jumbo underwent structural roof repairs amid a series of works earlier this month.

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 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.

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.

It is hoped the venue will be able to show off the stunning views from the top for miles in each direction, and for a restaurant at ground level.

A glazed lift is also proposed at the site as the only access to the top is via 157 steps on a winding staircase.