COLCHESTER'S Roman history will soon get a new lease of life through a hi-tech virtual reality experience.

Plans have been approved by Colchester Council to establish advanced 5G technology at Colchester Castle and along the city's Roman wall.

We Are Colchester and Colchester City Council have joined forces to create a state-of-the-art virtual reality experience, set to give visitors a chance to delve into Colchester's Roman history by 2026.

Through smartphones or rented headsets, visitors will enjoy a digital archive of actor-led stories, providing an innovative way to learn about the town's heritage.

Colchester Council leader David King said: "Colchester holds a significant place in history and our goal to enhance its appeal as a tourist destination is gaining momentum.

"The introduction of the virtual reality experience promises a rich, immersive glance into our past to attract more visitors to the city centre, boost revenue, and offer a fresh perspective on our heritage for generations to come.

“While the project is still in the works, the public will be invited to test the virtual reality experience and provide feedback.

"If successful, there are opportunities to expand the attraction to other locations, encompassing other periods of Colchester's history, such as the Civil War siege.”

Significant investments were made from Government and private sources in the 2020-2022 period to introduce future-proof fibre and 5G networks in Colchester, led by Colchester Fibre.

Simon Blaxill, chair of We Are Colchester, said: "Colchester's creative industry, particularly in the digital realm, employs a considerable workforce and is experiencing rapid growth.

"We are dedicated to cultivating an environment that attracts investments and nurtures the sector's advancement."

The 5G infrastructure will be funded by a £19.2 million Town Deal grant, with the project estimated to cost about £400,000.

An additional £19.6 million from Levelling Up and £2.5 million from housing developers is contributing to further city regeneration efforts, including restoring heritage sites, improving cycling infrastructure and various city centre enhancements.

As part of the city regeneration, an interactive map is being developed by the council to give an overview of the projects shaping Colchester's landscape by 2030.