Hundreds of homes could be built on Colchester land near Roman Circus

The disused Army Base Repair Organisation site in Colchester includes a significant section of the only known Roman Circus in Britain.

The land was sold by the Ministry of Defence for £8.85 million last year and was previously part of the Royal Artillery Barracks, forming the northern most part of the old Colchester Garrison.

Countryside Partnerships has now submitted plans to build a 203 home development at the historic 3.8 hectare site near Abbey Field.

Vision - more than 200 homes could be built on the former ABRO site in Colchester (Image: Scene Architects)

The developer has pledged to help turn the Roman Circus Visitor Centre into a “significant” tourist attraction as part of the build.

Blueprints show the large buildings at the south of the former ABRO land, built on top of a section of the Roman Circus, will be demolished and transformed into public open space.

The site is now protected as a scheduled ancient monument, prohibiting any developer from building within ten metres of it under rules imposed by Colchester Council.

A statement put to the council reads: “The Roman Circus presents an exciting opportunity to create a new public open space that reflects the history and character of the site.

Historic - Colchester is home to the only known Roman Circus in Britain

Proud - Philip Crummy stands beside the Roman Circus site which he has overseen for years (Image: Newsquest)

“The proposed Roman Circus public open space will feature carefully considered landscape interventions that acknowledge the Roman history of the area.”

The design brief submitted to the council provides a framework for further development in the future, with the potential of up to 304 properties.

It also outlines 160sqm of commercial floor space with associated access, landscaping and car and cycle parking will be introduced during construction.

Campaign - Adam Fox and Pam Cox outside the former ABRO site (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell has previously said the Roman Circus is a “woefully under-utilised tourist attraction”.

Found in 2004, the ancient asset may have seated up to 8,000 spectators and used as a venue for sports, including chariot racing.

It was built in the early 2nd century CE and is estimated to have been in use for about 150 years.

New Town and Christ Church councillor Pam Cox said: "‘Development of this long-empty site is welcome but, as a councillor, I’ll be keeping a close on this.

"We need to protect our heritage. Our unique Roman Circus is right next door.  

"We also need to manage the impact of 200 new homes on neighbouring communities and streets."