Oct
Appeal decision creates opportunities for the Roman Circus Visitor Centre and community.
Title photo: The location of the southern stand of the Roman circus and some of the buildings to be cleared from the monument’s footprint.
Following the news that the brownfield site neighbouring the Roman Circus Visitor Centre (formerly ABRO) will soon be developed, Colchester Archaeological Trust (CAT) is looking forward to working with Vistry Group to ensure that Britain’s only-known Roman chariot racing track and the Visitor Centre benefit from the opportunities this new chapter offers.
The Inspector’s report recognised the national significance of the circus and the importance of improving its setting. Removing buildings from within the footprint of the track will reduce visual clutter, helping visitors appreciate the monument’s extraordinary scale and opening up new views across the site. Just as importantly, the development will introduce new pedestrian routes, making it far easier to reach the Visitor Centre directly from the town via Flagstaff Road.
The Roman Circus Visitor Centre is operated by CAT with the invaluable support of donations, bequests and a dedicated team of staff and volunteers. It stands as the focal point for visitors to discover the scale, significance and story of this remarkable Roman monument.
For the Visitor Centre, the decision opens the door to real transformation. Developer contributions are earmarked for an extension, providing additional space for community use, upgraded visitor facilities, and stronger connections with the surrounding neighbourhood. At present, the Centre is bounded on three sides by derelict land. Bringing this land back into use will revitalise the environment, reduce risks from vandalism, and create a much more welcoming setting with new landscaping and planting.
The development also brings the chance to reconnect the Centre with local life in exciting ways. With more people living nearby, the Centre can continue to grow as a lively hub for community groups and visitors from further afield, and a sustainable café on site may again become possible. Planned investment will also deliver long-needed improvements to Roman Circus House itself, including upgraded visitor facilities, enhancing the experience for everyone who comes through our doors.
Colchester Archaeological Trust Directors Adam Wightman and Chris Lister outside the Roman Circus Visitor Centre
Adam Wightman, Director of Archaeology At Colchester Archaeological Trust, said:
“This decision marks a new chapter for Colchester’s heritage. CAT’s focus is firmly on making the very best of the opportunities ahead. We look forward to working closely with Vistry Group to ensure that the Roman Circus and Visitor Centre remain at the heart of the city’s story, now and for generations to come.”
CAT will continue to update the community as plans progress and will work with local partners to maximise the heritage, educational, and community benefits of this significant moment for Colchester.
Carl Glossop, Senior Planning Manager at Vistry Group, said:
“Vistry Group is excited to be involved in the regeneration of this historic and currently derelict brownfield site with a well-designed housing scheme sensitive to its historic context, and which provides clear public benefits. These include revealing part of the Roman Circus for the community to enjoy and providing financial contributions to the improvement of the Roman Circus Visitor Centre. We look forward to working with CAT to ensure any boundary treatments, public art, and information demarcating the Circus aligns with their aims and help in any way we can to improve this part of Colchester as a visitor attraction”.
