Colchester’s iconic Jumbo Water Tower is set to reopen, offering breathtaking views and a new venue for events after years of closure.
Standing at 131 feet, Jumbo is massive. Imagine stacking ten elephants or nine double-decker buses! From the top, you can see all around Essex. Soon, thanks to an £8 million grant, folks can explore it again after 50 years.
Built in 1883, Jumbo was a vital part of the city. It provided clean water and helped fight fires until it closed in 1984. Now, there’s a plan to turn it into a cool venue for events like weddings and parties.
The tower is made from 1.2 million bricks and can hold 1,000 tonnes of water. With the new funding, it’ll be restored and opened to the public.
Last year, there were talks about hosting events at the top. It’s been waiting for a new purpose since it closed. Even actor Griff Rhys Jones supports the revitalization plan.
North Essex Heritage has big dreams for Jumbo. They want to make it a destination for visitors, with a restaurant and historical exhibits. It’s an exciting time for this beloved landmark!
