MORE than 100 intrepid visitors climbed the Victorian steps of Colchester’s iconic Jumbo water tower as part of a Heritage Open Day.

Tickets for the trips were snapped up in just an hour with people keen to get a rare glimpse inside the unique Grade II* listed building which was completed 140 years ago this month.

From the top of Jumbo there are stunning views across the city.

Trustees from North Essex Heritage, the charity working to restore Jumbo water tower and bring it back into sustainable use, guided visitors around the building which is the largest Victorian municipal water tower in England.

Neglected for many years, the tower is now in urgent need of restoration so it can be saved for current and future generations.

North Essex Heritage has been given £250,0000 development funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to work on its plans to restore the unique Victorian water tower and transform it into a heritage and community space for Colchester.

Simon Hall, chairman of North Essex Heritage, said: “It was wonderful to welcome so many enthusiastic visitors of all ages to Jumbo. Thanks to National Lottery players, we are putting together a team of experts to help progress our plans to apply for a full grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

“Jumbo has stood empty and deteriorating for almost 40 years and this is the last real chance to save this magnificent building.”

North Essex Heritage has leased Jumbo, officially known as the Balkerne Water Tower, for 150 years. The aim is to produce a commercially viable operation which pays for the building’s upkeep.

The building will be run as a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space.

The huge water tank will be a mixed-use space, with a bar on the floor below.

The Jumbo Project has also been supported by Historic England, the Government’s Town Deal Fund and The Architectural Heritage Fund.