AN organisation working to restore a famous 141-year-old Colchester landmark to its former glory has applied for funding worth millions of pounds.

North Essex Heritage has applied to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a massive £7million grant in a bid to help save the 'Jumbo' water tower, in Balkerne Gate.

The water tower is being leased by North Essex Heritage after the building’s owner, Paul Flatman, agreed to lease the grade II listed water tower for 150 years in 2021.

North Essex Heritage hopes to make the tower a commercially viable facility which will pay for the building’s upkeep.

Helping - volunteers outside the water tower on a 'clean-up Jumbo day'Helping - volunteers outside the water tower on a 'clean-up Jumbo day' (Image: North Essex Heritage)

If successful, the money will help the organisation with its restoration plans for the building which it hopes to transform into a “destination venue, visitor experience, and historical interpretation space”.

Restoring Jumbo will cost North Essex Heritage an estimated £10.5million.

The charity was previously given £250,000 development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund

Chairman Simon Hall said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, we received £250,000 development funding to work on our plans for Jumbo, which is of national heritage importance.

Supporter - a previous image of actor Griff Rhys Jones in front of the JumboSupporter - a previous image of actor Griff Rhys Jones in front of the Jumbo (Image: North Essex Heritage) “We hope our second-round grant application will be successful.

“We are also about to submit planning and listed building consent applications to Colchester City Council. Jumbo is crumbling and this is the last realistic chance to save it.”

Mr Hall said the funding is crucial to the restoration plan.

The organisation also has to raise £3.5million in match funding.

It has already secured £1.5million towards the overall amount, including funds from Colchester Council and government grants.

North Essex Heritage is also restarting tours of the tower for a limited period.

Iconic - an aerial view of the JumboIconic - an aerial view of the Jumbo (Image: Public) Guided tours will be available for weekend dates until Christmas, and bookings will open on Monday.

Tickets will cost £10 plus a booking fee, with all profits going to the project.

Bookings can be made at jumbo.org.uk and in person at the Mercury Theatre or by calling the theatre on 01206 573948.

Anyone who was on a waiting list from previous tours, or who was unsuccessful in the ballot for Heritage Open Day tickets should receive a priority code to book before September 23.