Balkerne Water Tower planning consent
Boyer has secured a resolution to grant planning permission on behalf of charity North Essex Heritage for the Grade II* listed Balkerne Water Tower in Colchester City Centre.
Affectionately known as 'Jumbo,' this 8,385 sq ft (779 sq m) tower is the largest surviving Victorian municipal water tower in Britain. Following numerous planning applications over the past 20 years, most of which were either withdrawn or refused, the tower has continued to deteriorate.
Standing at 131ft, it has dominated the Colchester skyline since 1883. After being decommissioned in the early 1980s, it passed into private ownership. In 2006, the Balkerne Tower Trust successfully obtained its Grade II* listing. In 2019 North Essex Heritage, a building preservation trust, agreed a 150-year lease with the building’s private owner, marking the start of The Jumbo Project.
The building is also currently listed on Historic England’s 'At Risk' register and urgently requires a viable development plan to secure the necessary repairs.
In January, The National Lottery Heritage Fund awarded North Essex Heritage £8m for The Jumbo Project, safeguarding the tower’s future. Thanks to National Lottery players, the monumental Jumbo water tower will be conserved and adapted into a commercially viable and accessible visitor attraction and venue. North Essex Heritage now needs to find around £2.5m in match funding. It has already secured £1.5m of this, including from the council and Government grants.
The approval allows for full planning and listed building consent for the repair and redevelopment of Jumbo, transforming it into a vibrant multifunctional space for heritage interpretation and private events. This means that, for the first time, the public will be able to access the tower, offering them breathtaking views of the city. Subject to successful fundraising, the transformation will breathe new life into the community-loved landmark, preserving its storied past.
Alice Salomonsson, Planner in Boyer’s Colchester office said, “Boyer is delighted to have been able to help secure the long-term future of Jumbo, which is a prominent building and landmark on the Colchester skyline. The project brings the redundant building back into use and also ensures that the important heritage asset and its original use can be celebrated by giving visitors a unique experience which respects the site's history.
"By creating a multifunctional heritage interpretation venue, Jumbo can be enjoyed by all residents of and visitors to Colchester. Securing the relevant planning permission and listed building consent, Boyer is proud to have been part of the project working alongside Purcell and the North Essex Heritage trust.”
Jason Lowe, Project Director for North Essex Heritage commented: "We recently had the pleasure of working with Boyer. From the very beginning, Alice and Mark impressed us with their professionalism, expertise, and in-depth knowledge of local planning regulations, providing valuable guidance throughout the planning process. We couldn't be happier with the outcome."
Construction is due to commence on site this autumn and the scheme is anticipated to complete in 2027.
In achieving planning success, Boyer worked alongside architect firm and heritage consultant, Purcell.