One of Colchester’s biggest landmarks has been sat idly without use or service for nearly 40 years, that is not to say that plans for new uses of the old water have not been discussed they just have yet to be carried out. However, a recent development suggests jumbo may soon become more than the unused water tower we know it as.

Before revealing the plans for Jumbo let’s take a look at the history of the well-known landmark. Jumbo was built in 1883 however became fully operational the next year in 1884.Despite providing water for Colchester for over a century, Jumbo ceased to be used from 1984.After sitting without use for so many years, multiple public plans and attempts have been made to try and give the water tower a new lease of life however none of these have materialised. Significantly, 2021 is when Jumbo was leased to North Essex Heritage.

Why are these plans different to the earlier failures? The website northessexheritage.org states that it’s been “given £250,0000 development funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to work on its plans and restore ” With this huge sum of money it is surely a clear indication that the plans are serious and will be taking place with the aim of preserving and maintaining the historical iconic landmark Colchester is so proud of.

Now finally to disclose the future plans for Jumbo, the website northessexheritage.org reveals that “the building will run as a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space.” These ideas prove that the job of renewing jumbo has been placed in the right hands retaining the history of Jumbo and providing entertainment. If these plans are to be believed it is sure to be raking in the visitors and hopefully increasing Colchester’s reputation/tourism. Yet the question still remains whether the plans will actually take place or is it just another one of the many failed attempts at planning a usage for Jumbo?