England’s largest municipal water tower has received a £200,000 donation to help secure its future.
The 40m (131ft) Balkerne Water Tower in Colchester, known locally as “Jumbo,” has been empty since it was decommissioned in 1984.
The Garfield Weston Foundation, a family-founded grant-maker, contributed the funds to the Jumbo Project to support the building’s continued commercial viability.
Simon Hall, chair of North Essex Heritage, which oversees the project, was quoted as saying: “They were clearly taken by Jumbo and our aspirations for it as a community asset and the contribution it will make to Colchester.”
Jumbo supplied clean water to the city from 1883 until 1984 but has since fallen into disrepair. The Grade II*-listed building is set to undergo transformation early next year, becoming a destination venue with a visitor experience and accessible heritage interpretation.
Earlier this year, the project received an £8m grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. It is also supported by UK Government funding, Historic England, and Colchester City Council. The redevelopment aims to preserve the historic structure while creating a space for the community and visitors to engage with Colchester’s heritage.
