Students could help shape the future of iconic Jumbo

University of Essex students could help shape the future of Colchester’s iconic water tower Jumbo as it is transformed into a unique attraction.

The Events, Hospitality and Tourism Management students, from Edge Hotel School, have been invited to submit ideas for how the 40m Victorian brick structure could operate once it reopens as a, venue and heritage attraction.

As part of their undergraduate degree, the team of third years will put forward proposals, designs, and business cases for the transformation of the Grade II* listed site.

Last week the team climbed up the 157 steps to the top of Jumbo to get a hands-on-tour of North Essex Heritage’s plans.

Jessie Jacobs, 20, said: "This is an incredible opportunity as it is a big part of Colchester’s heritage.

"I grew up around Colchester and Jumbo is a big part of the city’s history.

"It’s such a great chance for us students and it so exciting to be involved in this vital part of Colchester’s story."

The structure, which was built using 1.25 million bricks and 142 tonnes of cast iron, has been a fixture of the Colchester skyline since 1883.

Work will begin in weeks to restore the tower, which has been empty since 1984.

Vice Principal of Edge, Adrian Martin, said: "Our hope and aspiration is for Edge Hotel students to work in the Jumbo Tower as part of their course, so to be involved in contributing to the design and marketing of the Tower is huge for us, the students are incredibly excited by this."

North Essex Heritage secured a 150-year lease on the building in 2021, and has financial backing from the UK Government, Historic England, The National Lottery Heritage Fund and Colchester City Council for The Jumbo Project to bring it back to life.

A spokesperson for the charity said: “We are delighted to be working with the talented students at the Edge Hotel School, University of Essex, by setting them a project.

"We hope the students’ ideas for the events spaces will help inspire the operators of the transformed Jumbo when it reopens in 2027.

"An £8m grant, thanks to National Lottery players, plus support from other funders, means Jumbo has an exciting future, and we are engaging widely on our plans."

The students will present their proposals to North Essex Heritage next year.