A BID for funding to restore Colchester’s Victorian water tower is set to be made in spring next year.

North Essex Heritage group is managing a project to restore and conserve Colchester’s Jumbo water tower.

The group leased the building for 150 years and plans to convert the 34-metre tower into a destination venue, restaurant, visitor experience and historical interpretation space.

The charity has already secured £1million funding through the We Are Colchester's Town's Deal Fund bid and has the continued support of Historic England and the Architectural Heritage Fund.

READ MORE: Purcell appointed for Colchester Jumbo tower project

A further £4 million is hoped to be raised in part by an application set to be made to the National Lottery Heritage Fund in early 2023.

A report to go before Colchester Council’s scrutiny panel said: “This project is being managed by the North Essex Heritage.

“The design consultants have been appointed and the Trust have passed the first stage towards a full bid to the Heritage Lottery fund in spring 2023.”

In August, the charity revealed volunteers undertook the mammoth task of cleaning the inside of the unique tower as part of the Jumbo Summer 2022 community activities.

Twelve enthusiasts helped to prepare for a series of National Heritage open days in September which involved Jumbo being opened to a limited number of pre-booked visitors.