Colchester’s skyline at risk from insensitive redevelopment
Grade II*-listed, 1882, Charles Clegg
Standing 110-feet high, the Balkerne Water Tower – or Jumbo, as it is colloquially known – is the largest remaining Victorian water tower in Britain. It was built in 1882 by borough surveyor and engineer, Charles Clegg, and its design makes subtle references to the Romanesque Revival “Campanile” style. Decommissioned and sold in 1987, Jumbo has since had a string of owners and a number of inappropriate planning applications have been made. These have been consistently refused, but in May this year another damaging proposal was submitted to convert the tower to luxury apartments, which involved glazing over its soaring arches and destroying the views through the structure. Suffering from weeds at its base and wind damage to the roof, Jumbo is in need of essential maintenance; and given its prominent position in the Colchester townscape, it cannot be allowed to fall into disrepair. The Victorian Society urges the local council to reject the current harmful application and to work towards a regeneration scheme that would preserve its integrity.
Status Update / March 2026
Twelve years after appearing on our list, in 2025, Sir Robert McAlpine Special Projects was appointed for a £6 million restoration of the building. Their plans involve the complete restoration of the water tower and its reopening as a destination venue with visitor experience and historical interpretation spaces. The project was commissioned by North Essex Heritage, who secured a 150-year lease on the building in 2021, and was made possible thanks to an £8 million grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a further £1.1 million from central government. It stands to benefit residents and visitors alike, ensuring the tower remains a positive and prominent feature in the town.