Pam Cox MP Calls for National Spotlight on Colchester’s Roman Circus in Parliament Amid Development Concerns

Pam Cox, Labour MP for Colchester, today used Business Questions in the House of Commons to mark the 20th anniversary of the discovery of Britain’s only known Roman chariot racing track - the Colchester Roman Circus - and to call for greater national recognition and protection of the site.

Illustration of how the Colchester Roman Circus would have looked in Roman times

Speaking in Parliament, Pam Cox MP said:

“In Colchester, we have been celebrating the 20th anniversary of the discovery by local archaeologists of Britain’s only known Roman chariot racing track: the Colchester Roman circus. Dame Mary Beard, no less, recently visited the site with me and declared it to be ‘absolutely amazing’.”

She urged the Leader of the House to support a debate on scheduled ancient monuments and to commend the efforts of local residents who are campaigning to enhance the site’s visibility and visitor experience.

In response, Leader of the House Lucy Powell MP said:

“I join my hon. Friend in recognising this important Roman site in her constituency, which chariot racing took place on—how fantastic. I know that she and her constituents are proud of their rich heritage, and I am keen to see what the future holds for them.”

A Campaign to Celebrate and Protect Colchester’s Roman Heritage

Pam Cox has been a vocal advocate for making more of Colchester’s exceptional Roman heritage. Central to her campaign is the Roman Circus, a unique archaeological site discovered in 2005, which remains the only known Roman chariot racing track in Britain.

“The Roman Circus isn’t just a one-of-a-kind archaeological site but a fantastic opportunity to promote Colchester and showcase our unique heritage,” said Ms. Cox.

“For too long, I don’t think we’ve made enough of our exceptional history. It’s my determination to change that.”

The ABRO Development and Planning Appeal

The Roman Circus site sits adjacent to the former ABRO (Army Base Repair Organisation) land, where controversial plans for a 203-home development have sparked local concern. Colchester Council initially refused the application in November 2024, citing the impact on the character of the Garrison Conservation Area and the need to protect the historic environment.

The developers have since launched a planning appeal, and the inquiry will begin on 8 July 2025. The proposed development includes demolishing large buildings on the southern part of the site - some of which overlap with the Roman Circus footprint - and replacing them with housing and public open space.

“This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a world-class heritage attraction in Colchester,” said Pam Cox. “We must ensure that any development enhances, not erodes, our Roman legacy.”

Pam Cox has consistently called for any development on the ABRO site to be sympathetic to the area’s heritage:

“It is important that the development on the ABRO site is delivered sympathetically and gives us a platform to develop an improved visitor experience. I am pleased there is renewed interest in making more of the site from my discussions with the Secretary of State for Culture, Historic England, and our group of local experts that are championing the Roman Circus.” 

Looking Ahead

Pam Cox continues to work closely with local historians, residents, and national heritage bodies to ensure that Colchester’s Roman Circus is not only preserved but celebrated as a cornerstone of the town’s identity and tourism economy.