Demolition plans submitted for Colchester land near Roman Circus

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

The site was previously part of the Royal Artillery Barracks, forming the northernmost part of the old Colchester Garrison.

It was vacated in 2019 and has stood empty ever since, with the land sold by the Ministry of Defence for £8.85million in 2022.

Countryside Partnerships submitted plans for a 203-home development at the historic 3.8-hectare site near Abbey Field last summer.

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.

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

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

Now, plans have been submitted outlining demolition plans.

A statement says Countryside Partnerships wants to begin preparing the site for development where it is “possible and feasible to do so”.

The new proposals outline plans to demolish eight buildings, which are “mostly of a warehouse and industrial style”.

They also note there is asbestos in the buildings which requires safe removal.

Although a large part of the site has been cleared of buildings, several non-designated heritage assets remain.

There are no listed buildings on site, however, an application has been submitted to Historic England to request it considers statutorily listing the former wagon sheds, riding school and dining room and cook house.

It also includes the former horse infirmary, which campaigners have been working to save.

Campaigners - Pam Cox, resident Linda Green, Paul Knappett and Sir Bob Russell holding a plan of the former site of the Artillery Barracks (Image: Newsquest)

Colchester High Steward Sir Bob Russell previously said the Roman Circus, built in the early 2nd century CE, is a “woefully under-utilised tourist attraction”.

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

Speaking last year, New Town and Christ Church councillor Pam Cox said development on the site was “welcomed” but stressed the need to protect the city’s heritage with the Roman Circus next door.  

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

Colchester Council is yet to decide on either application.