The top part of a tall tower is seen against a blue sky. The building has four stacks of red coloured bricks which form the legs of the tower and are separated by arches. Two layers of brick alcoves sit on top of the legs. There are metal railings surrounding a huge square red metal water tank. There is a green pitched roof topped by a small white square room with a window.

The top part of Jumbo Water Tower is seen against a blue sky. The building has four stacks of red coloured bricks which form the legs of the tower and are separated by arches. Two layers of brick alcoves sit on top of the legs. There are metal railings surrounding a huge square red metal water tank. There is a green pitched roof topped by a small white square room with a window.

Jumbo Water Tower, Colchester

Our Trust

We believe old buildings are more than just bricks, wood and mortar. They are often a source of pride and identity to their local communities. If sensitively conserved, restored, and repurposed, they can bring a host of social, economic and cultural benefits.

We are committed to community-led preservation and regeneration of buildings across North East Essex.

About us

Our Projects

We are proud to make a difference to our communities with projects as diverse as saving a Victorian water tower and fighting to preserve a unique church spire.

Whether we are ensuring historic shop fronts aren’t lost forever or helping a group campaign to save air raid shelters, we use our expertise to enrich the local built environment.

The Jumbo Project

Breathing new life into Colchester’s most loved landmark.

Two rows of houses fronting a road. The two storey houses are painted in pastel colours.

East Street, Colchester

Monitoring the unique buildings on Colchester’s historic East Street.

Inset into a grassy bank is a red metal door framed by an entrance formed of concrete blocks.

Halstead Shelters

A rare group of 16 Second World War air raid shelters are at risk.

Donate

All financial contributions, no matter how small, are valuable to North Essex Heritage, for our various projects. As a small charity, we rely on donations and support from grant giving organisations.

Donate now

Smiling people, many waving brooms, are seen at the bottom of a red brick building.

Being part of this vibrant charity and making a difference to our local communities is both professionally and personally rewarding. It isn’t about stuffy old buildings. We collaborate with other charities, local authorities, commercial supporters, heritage and building experts and funding organisations. Our projects have been supported by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Towns Deal Fund. Simon Hall Trustee

Latest News

Catch up with all the latest news, covering activities, volunteering, working groups, funding and so much more.

26 October 2024

We need your help to save Jumbo

After years of working with experts, North Essex Heritage is very happy The Jumbo Project has reached the planning permission stage.

17 September 2024

Industrial Heritage Fair

North Essex Heritage took part in a lively event in Coggeshall designed to highlight our precious industrial heritage across Essex.

A man and a woman in front of ornate red metal railings.

18 December 2023

New trustees join trust

Three new Trustees for North Essex Heritage.

Get Involved

We are an active charity and we are keen to hear from anyone who has a view on our current projects or knows of a building in need of help.

Enquire Now

Keep Updated

We would love to keep in touch and update you on our projects and plans. Sign up for our mailing list and we can start a conversation.

Sign-up Today