In December last year, campaigners hoping to restore Colchester's Jumbo water tower celebrated an historic agreement which gave them control of the landmark building.
The agreement also opened the door for more funding.
The building’s owner, Paul Flatman, agreed to lease the Grade ll* listed water tower to North Essex Heritage for 150 years.
The charity has plans to convert the 34 metre tower, which is of national heritage importance, into a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space.
North Essex Heritage has moved to the next phase of the project thanks to a £25,000 grant.
Thanks to the funding boost from the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF), North Essex Heritage has appointed a project manager and quantity surveyor to develop a plan to revamp the iconic Victorian tower.
The money will help to steer the charity’s grant application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
North Essex Heritage has leased the disused Jumbo water tower for 150 years.
The charity plans to convert the 40-metre tower, which is of national heritage importance, into a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space for everyone to enjoy.
The AHF is a grant giving charity which promotes the conservation and sustainable re-use of historic buildings, helping communities find enterprising ways to revitalise the old buildings they love.
Simon Hall MBE DL, chair of North Essex Heritage, said: “The AHF’s generous grant has been essential in allowing us to recruit more experts to assist with this complex project for the sensitive adaptation of the Grade II* listed building.
“This work will enable us to submit the best possible application for funding to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2023.
“The £25,000 is in addition to a £20,000 grant from the AHF in 2020 which contributed to the cost of vital survey work of Jumbo.”
The charity has already secured £1million funding through the We Are Colchester's Town's Deal Fund bid and has the continued support of Historic England and the Architectural Heritage Fund.
A further £4 million is hoped to be raised in part by an application set to be made to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in early 2023.
David Balcombe, director of North Essex Heritage said: “The expert advisors being paid for by the grant from the AHF are helping us develop ideas for the conservation and sustainable conversion of Jumbo.
“Other specialists have been appointed for architecture, structural repairs, ecology, fire protection and heritage interpretation and their initial fees are to be met from the Town Deal fund, already allocated to Jumbo by Colchester City Council.
“We also receive generous support from Historic England.”
Mr Hall added: “In the past few months we have been discussing our emerging plans with individuals, businesses and groups from Colchester and across the East of England and we have been delighted with the response.
“Clearly, everyone loves Jumbo and wants it to be part of the life of our city once again.
“There is overwhelming support for Jumbo to provide a lively and unique space for community groups, businesses and individuals in the heart of the vibrant area around the Mercury Theatre and Arts Centre.
“We have now produced a survey in support of our National Lottery Heritage Fund application, and we hope people will take a few minutes to complete it and have their say over the festive break.
“If you want Jumbo saved, I urge you to take part in this quick survey.”
Find the survey here.
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