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LATEST NEWS (most recent first)

Sept 2011 - Mr Braithwaite's planning application to convert Jumbo to flats, a restaurant and office space is refused by Colchester's Planning Committee by 7 votes to 5. For details click here.

Nov 2009 - The Options Appraisal commissioned by Balkerne Tower Trust on public uses for Jumbo is made public. It can be downloaded here.

Oct 2009 - A planning application is submitted by owner George Braithwaite to convert Jumbo to flats, a restaurant and office space. For details click here.

July 2008 - BTT gains registered charity status
Balkerne Tower Trust Ltd is registered with the Charity Commission, and commissions an Options Appraisal by Purcell Miller Tritton on alternative schemes for public uses of Jumbo.

Jan 2007 - Jumbo's roof damaged in high wind
Extremely high winds lift a large section of copper cladding from the west side of the cupola. As it is a danger to the public this section is removed, leaving the roof structure exposed to rain.

Oct 2006 - Planning extension approved, then withdrawn
Colchester's Planning Committee votes to extend permission for each of the previously allowed penthouse conversions for a further 18 months, making the new deadline for starting work April 2008.

However the applications to extend permission are later withdrawn, reportedly because the penthouse schemes were not considered financially viable. Jumbo therefore has no current planning permission.

Feb 2006 - Jumbo sold for record £330,000
Amid huge publicity at an Allsop auction in London, Jumbo water tower is sold for a far higher price than it had ever fetched since sold off by Anglian Water in 1987. It is bought by Mr George Braithwaite of Sudbury.

Shortly before the auction, Balkerne Tower Trust Ltd is formed in an attempt to make a serious bid for Jumbo. Despite large returnable donations and generous financial backing from the Colchester & North East Essex Building Preservation Trust, it is not enough.

The wind damage to Jumbo's roof

The auctioneer calls time on Jumbo's sale [Evening Gazette]