May 28 2003
The Colchester skyline is dominated by a much loved, but now empty Victorian water tower nicknamed, Jumbo. Controversial work to transform Jumbo into a luxury penthouse building is expected to commence before the years end.
Development plans for the site were blocked in 2001 but development now looks set to go forward in accordance with heritage listing rules that govern changes to the building. The specially-enhanced listing status of English Heritage grade II* places the building in the top 8% of protected structures and will prevent any drastic changes to the appearance of the structure.
"The plan, as we understand, it is to start at the end of this year. It looks like it will take 15 months for the work to be completed," said Mr Brian Light, from pressure group Save Jumbo for Colchester. "That means there will be public access in 2005. There will be access up a spiral staircase to a small exhibition area and blue badge guides. Although the tank will be changed and there will be garaging at the base, it will still be Jumbo."
Source: East Anglian Daily Times