Behind the scenes at the Jumbo Water Tower, Colchester

Bakers of Danbury | Visit to the Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester

March 17, 2026 Rachel Finlay Comments Off

The Jumbo Water Tower, a magnificent Grade II* Listed Building

Adrian Ward and Mark Holland were delighted to attend a behind the scenes visit of the historic Jumbo Water Tower in Colchester, as plans move forward for its £6 million restoration. The visit was organised by Purcell, the heritage architects leading the project.

Appointed following a design competition in 2022, Purcell is working alongside contractor Sir Robert McAlpine to conserve and repurpose the Grade II* listed disused Victorian water tower into a new visitor and event space.

Historical Background

Built between 1882 and 1883, the 40-metre-tall tower is the largest surviving Victorian municipal water tower in England. Designed by borough engineer Charles Clegg in what’s referred to as a Romanesque Revival “Campanile” style, it was constructed using more than 1.2 million locally produced red bricks and 142 tonnes of cast iron. Originally created to address Colchester’s water shortages, the tower played a key role in improving public health in the late 19th century. It was decommissioned in 1984.

Its official name is the Balkerne Water Tower but its more commonly known as “Jumbo” a nickname reportedly coined by a local Reverend who felt the vast structure overshadowed his nearby rectory.

Restoration and Future Plans

Thanks to players of the National Lottery and other funding sources, North Essex Heritage (the operating name of Colchester and North East Essex Buiding Preservation Trust) secured a 150-year lease on the building in 2021 and is overseeing the restoration with the support of Colchester City Council, Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

The plans involve a new lift and staircase to allow access to the huge water tank and engineers room, access to the cupola at top of the tower for 360 degree views across Colchester, a new service floor to accommodate equipment and toilets and a reception and interpretation area on the ground floor giving insights into Victorian life.

Many thanks to the team at Purcell for showing us around and we look forward to following the progress of the restoration.