This Morning host Dermot O'Leary backs Colchester jumbo

This Morning host and Radio Two DJ Dermot O’Leary is supporting the Love Jumbo appeal for the transformation of the 142-year-old Jumbo Water Tower.

The disused Victorian water tower is being transformed into a commercially viable facility to pay for its upkeep after planning permission was granted in February last year.

North Essex Heritage (NEH), the organisation spearheading the project­­ — which leased it for 150 years— has appointed Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects to restore the building.

Landmark - Jumbo (Image: North Essex Heritage)

NEH previously has received an £8million cash grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund on top of £250,000 in development funding.

Thanks to additional grants from Historic England, Garfield Weston Foundation, Colchester Council, and the government, £10.5million has already been secured.

Dermot is backing the public fundraising appeal as a funding gap still remains before major construction can begin at the site.

He said: “Jumbo is very dear to my heart.

Backing the appeal - Dermot O'Leary next to Jumbo (Image: Irene Kettle/North Essex Heritage)

“Always standing proud, overlooking some of the favourite places from my youth in Colchester – the Hole In The Wall pub, the Mercury Theatre and not too far away from the legendary Arts Centre, where I spent many a fun evening.

“When I heard the National Lottery Heritage Fund had recognised the importance of our beloved Jumbo with a multi-million pound grant, I was thrilled. The idea that everyone will finally get a chance to enjoy the inside of Jumbo and celebrate Colchester's heritage.

“Despite support from other funders, North Essex Heritage still needs money for the Jumbo Project. I hope people will support the Love Jumbo Appeal if they can and be part of history as this Victorian masterpiece is brought back to its full glory."

NEH is working to transform the building into a destination venue.

Backing Jumbo - Dermot O'Leary (Image: Ian West/PA)

The planning application says the 110ft tall water tower would be turned into an “immersive public exhibition”, which details the history, engineering and use of the Victorian water tower.

Under the plans Jumbo would be available for hire – including weddings, banquets, parties and other private events - with a capacity of up to 120 people.

The space will also be used for live entertainment.

Jumbo’s cast iron water tank is deteriorating rapidly, and urgent restoration is needed.

Appeal - Love Jumbo (Image: North Essex Heritage)

 Dermot added: “I want to see this much-loved building, which saved lives in Colchester by supplying clean water for 100 years, once again play a crucial role for the city and beyond.

 “A restored and repurposed Jumbo will be a huge asset to Colchester, offering a special place to meet, celebrate some amazing heritage and even host an event.

“It will also be a fun space for people to come together and enjoy spectacular views of this vibrant city.

“If you love Jumbo as much as I do, please consider supporting the Love Jumbo Appeal. Go to Jumbo.org.uk where you can donate, sponsor a brick or another part of the building or become a corporate supporter.”

A fundraising event called the Jumbo Community Activity Day will be held on Saturday from 10am until 3pm with live music, crafts, and performances.

North Essex Heritage chairman Simon Hall said: “We are absolutely thrilled by Dermot’s kind words about Jumbo and our Love Jumbo Appeal.

“It is very generous of him to support our charity in this way. We are delighted Jumbo brings back such happy memories of our wonderful city.”

“Thanks to the support of the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players, Colchester’s monumental Jumbo water tower will be conserved and adapted into a commercially viable and accessible visitor attraction and venue.

“We are protecting a symbol of Colchester’s astonishing industrial past and creating a powerful new space for its future, for culture, learning, events and community life.”