Colchester City Council is proud to highlight the invaluable contributions made by the Residents’ Panel in shaping the future of The Jumbo Water Tower and The Jumbo Project.
Last month, 26 members of the panel provided their latest feedback on the development of plans for the iconic Jumbo water tower. Helping ensure that the project serves the needs and aspirations of the local community. Their feedback has been included in successful funding bids and has also helped refine plans for future tourism operations at this landmark site.
Last month, 26 members of the panel provided their latest feedback on the development of plans for the iconic Jumbo water tower. Helping ensure that the project serves the needs and aspirations of the local community. Their feedback has been included in successful funding bids and has also helped refine plans for future tourism operations at this landmark site.
Irene Kettle, Trustee for North Essex Heritage Trust, expressed her appreciation for the Residents’ Panel’s input, saying: “We held regular sessions, both in person and online, over the course of a year and it was absolutely invaluable to have the thoughts of so many engaged Colchester residents. The first few sessions informed our activity plan, which formed part of our successful bid to The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Subsequent sessions helped us develop our plans and test our ideas for how Jumbo will operate in the future. At the most recent session, we discussed ideas for merchandising and for our public fundraising appeal.”
Irene continued, “North Essex Heritage Trust and everyone involved in The Jumbo Project would like to thank the members of Colchester City Council's Residents' Panel and, in particular the organisers, for their exceptional work in bringing people together and facilitating these crucial conversations.”
As part of the ongoing collaboration, panel members also took part in a fire safety drill and visited The Jumbo to support the future tourism experience. Their ongoing engagement reflects their passion and commitment to ensuring that this project will be a true asset to Colchester.
Cllr David King, Leader of Colchester City Council, added: “My thanks to our residents for their input in shaping the future of Colchester City Centre. There’s no doubt that Jumbo will be a jewel in Colchester’s crown when it opens, and it’s only right that residents are at the heart of planning for it. Their active engagement and constructive feedback are an invaluable resource, and we look forward to more such engagement, sharing, and learning, united by seeking the best for our great city.”
With two more meetings scheduled this month for Holy Trinity Church and The Natural History Museum, residents are encouraged to join the panel - which currently has 387 members - to help shape the future of Colchester’s multimillion-pound heritage projects. You do not need prior experience or expertise - just a passion for Colchester’s future!
The Colchester Youth Panel is available for young people, aged 14-18, who want to share their insights, gain new skills and shape Colchester’s future.
To join the panel or find out more about upcoming sessions, visit www.colchester.gov.uk/residents-panel or email residents.panel@colchester.gov.uk
Page last reviewed: 17 March 2025