Colchester Roman Circus plans discussed by MP and minister

Colchester’s Roman Circus is believed to be Britain’s only Roman circus, which was discovered 20 years ago and had arches five metres in height when it was first built around 125AD.

Plans to rebuild the Roman Circus were unveiled by Dedham based classic architect Francis Terry. 

It would involve authentically reconstructing the gates and structuring new housing around the site to show off its size.

The news comes as last week Colchester Council debated plans for homes at the former Army Base Repair Organisation (ABRO) site in Flagstaff Road.

Developers want to build 203 homes on the site, which 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 £8.85 million in 2022.

Plans - Countryside Partnerships presented plans for the ABRO site with a footpath marking the circus' track (Image: Scene Architects) Pam Cox, Labour Member of Parliament for Colchester, has now met with the Heritage and Culture Minister of State, Sir Chris Bryant, to discuss the future of Colchester’s Roman Circus site.

Meeting - Pam Cox MP and Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister for Culture and Heritage (Image: Pam Cox) Pam Cox said: “It was a pleasure to discuss the huge potential for Colchester’s Roman chariot racing circus with the Minister responsible for the nation’s heritage.

“Chris Bryant has previously visited Colchester and was interested in finding out more about this unique part of our history.

“The Minister asked to be kept informed of developments and I look forward to updating him on the potential this site offers to bring to life 2000 years of history.

“I am determined that we make the most of this site and celebrate Colchester’s distinctive heritage.”

Historic - The Roman Circus could seat 8,000 spectators and was about 450m in length (Image: Newsquest) After concerns of the planning application for the ABRO site not meeting affordable housing targets set out by the Local Plan, councillors were inclined to reject the application but settled for deferral after concerns of costs for an appeal and public inquiry.

Mr Francis said: "The site of the ABRO development is on an incredibly important location for the future of Colchester.

"It sits between the city centre and the Roman Circus and thereby should become the link between the city and this important heritage asset.

"My hope is in time that people will start to value the circus, and it will be linked back into the town by walkways."