RIBA East Conservation Group- Balkerne Water Tower.

Join the RIBA East Conservation Group for an Exclusive Guided Tour of the 'Jumbo Water Tower'

Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to explore one of Colchester’s most iconic landmarks before its transformation begins!

Led by Purcell Architects, this special tour will offer unique insights into the history, design, and future restoration plans for the Jumbo Water Tower. As the restoration project is set to commence later this year, this is a rare chance to see the structure in its current state and hear directly from the experts involved.

A must-attend event for anyone interested in architectural conservation and heritage.

The Balkerne Tower known locally as ‘Jumbo Water Tower’, a Grade II* listed Victorian landmark in Colchester, has long been a symbol of the town’s industrial heritage. Since its closure in 1987, previous efforts to find a viable use for the tower were unsuccessful. However, more recently the Colchester and North East Essex Building Preservation Trust commissioned an Options Appraisal, paving the way for Purcell Architects’ appointment to explore restoration and conversion possibilities.

In a momentous step forward, the project has now secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF), Historic England and other key partners, marking a significant milestone in the tower’s revival. Purcell, as the lead architect and heritage consultant, is progressing with an exciting vision to transform the tower into a vibrant public space that celebrates both its historical significance and future potential.

This much-anticipated restoration will engage local communities, schools, and visitors through dynamic programs and educational experiences. With its long-awaited funding in place, the Jumbo Water Tower will soon shine as a beacon of Colchester’s industrial past and a vital asset for generations to come.

Tour Information

• Please ensure you wear suitable/sturdy footwear and come dressed for the weather as the tower is unheated
• No specific PPE is required
• Please note there are no toilet facilities at Jumbo, toilets across the road at the Mercury Theatre
• Please meet at the base of the tower at 10.30am, the tour will start at 10.45am and will last approx. 1 hour. The group will be split into smaller groups to access the cupola at the top of the tower.
• The top of the tower is accessed via a steep spiral staircase with circa 150 steps, so you will need to be reasonably fit and unphased by heights.

Getting there

• Parking is available at St Mary’s Car Park, 2 Balkerne Hill, Colchester CO3 3AA.
• It’s a 3-minute walk from Jumbo and takes visitors through the Balkerne Gate (remnants of one of the Roman city gates)
• There are buses from the station if people don’t fancy the walk up the hill to the city centre.

Lunch

• A two- course lunch will be provided at a local tavern, which is a short 2-minute walk from the tower. Lunch will be at 12.15pm.
• Once you purchase a ticket, options for menu choics will be provided for you to pick. Please note that drinks are not included and will need to be purchased serpately on the day/during lunch.
• Address: Church Street Tavern, 3 Church Street, Colchester, Essex, CO1 1NF

Terms and Conditions

• A photographer will cover this event and the images may be used to publicise future RIBA events.
• By accepting an invitation or purchasing a ticket you consent to being photographed, filmed or recorded as a visitor attending the event.
• Cancellations must be made in writing to events@riba.org. No refunds can be made for cancellations notified within 30 days of the event. To transfer your ticket/s to another individual/s, please contact events@riba.org.
• Tickets to be transferred at least 14 days prior to the event. Complimentary tickets are strictly non-transferable.
• If the RIBA has to postpone or cancel the event the booker is entitled to a full refund of the ticket price only.
• On entry to the event you agree to accept and abide by any venue rules.
• The RIBA reserves the right to refuse admission to any ticket holder.
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