News
We need your help to save Jumbo
We need Jumbo’s many supporters to have their say on our listed building and planning applications. Please comment via Colchester City Council’s planning portal.
After years of working with national and regional experts including our architects Purcell, North Essex Heritage is very happy The Jumbo Project has reached the planning permission stage.
Simon Hall, MBE, DL, Chair said:
“Jumbo is continuing to decay, and The Jumbo Project is the last realistic chance to save it. Our aim is to restore this unique Victorian building and produce a commercially viable operation which pays for its upkeep so that it can be enjoyed by the people of Colchester and beyond as an accessible community asset into the future.”
“It is essential everyone that who loves this iconic building and wants to save it registers their comment on the plans.”
The plans include using the huge water tank as a multifunctional heritage interpretation space and destination venue. An immersive audio-visual display in the tank will enhance the unique visitor experience, bringing alive our city’s history, industrial contribution, arts and culture.
When not in use for public tours and events, the tank could house a restaurant/bar/conference venue for up to 120 people. A lift, new staircase, service floor and reception area are included in the plans.
Simon Hall added:
“The Jumbo Project will cost an estimated £10.5m. Thanks to National Lottery players, we received £250,000 development funding to work on our plans for Jumbo which, as a Grade II* listed building, is of National heritage importance. We have also received support from the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust and Historic England. We have made a second-round grant application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for a £7m Heritage Enterprise Grant.”
“The Jumbo Project depends on our bid being successful. We also must find around £3.5m in match funding. North Essex Heritage has already secured around £1.5m towards the overall target, including from Colchester City Council and UK Government grants.”
Have your say on our plans on Colchester City Council’s planning portal and spread the word – our application number is 242061.
Image Credit: Purcell