‘Veni, Vidi, Vici’: Pam Cox MP Rallies Support in Parliament for Colchester’s Roman Circus Ahead of Planning Decision

Pam Cox, Member of Parliament for Colchester, delivered a powerful call to action in the House of Commons today, urging the Government to unlock the full potential of one of Britain’s most unique heritage sites: the Colchester Roman Circus.

During a debate on the impact of the 2025 Spending Review on the heritage sector, Pam Cox spotlighted the Roman Circus - Britain’s only known Roman chariot racing track - and its untapped potential as a national cultural and tourism asset.

“Last month, I was proud to host Dame Mary Beard in Colchester,” said Ms Cox. “She visited the Roman Circus and, like me, believes we are missing a national trick if we don’t make more of this extraordinary site.”

Pam Cox MP for Colchester in the House of Commons

Pam Cox pressed the Minister for Creative Industries, Arts and Tourism, Sir Chris Bryant MP, to ensure that any future housing developments near the site reflect its immense historical value. She also invited the Minister to visit the Circus, noting that it uniquely embodies all aspects of his brief—sport, culture, and media.

In a lively exchange, Mr Bryant praised Pam Cox’s long-standing commitment to the project:

“As my hon. Friend knows, I fully support the project, which I know she has been engaged in since before she was an MP. I am delighted that she has Mary Beard involved and I am sure that by the end of this, she will be able to pronounce ‘Veni, vidi, vici.’”

The debate follows the Chancellor’s announcement of an £8.2 billion boost to the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, including an additional £20 million for the heritage sector through the Heritage at Risk and Heritage Revival funds.

Pam Cox concluded:

“Colchester’s Roman Circus is not just a relic of the past—it’s a living opportunity for the future. With the right investment and imagination, we can turn this historic site into a national treasure that inspires pride, learning, and tourism for generations to come.”

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.

As the Planning Appeal approaches, Pam Cox MP urged the developers, Countryside Partnerships, part of the country’s largest housebuilder Vistry Group, to consider both local and national interests in their plans near the Colchester Roman Circus:

“The Colchester Roman Circus is not just a local landmark—it’s a site of national importance. I urge the developers, Countryside, and the council to think beyond short-term development goals and recognise the extraordinary heritage value on their doorstep. Any plans for the area must reflect the interests of our local community and the wider national story this site tells. We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to get this right.”

The ABRO Development and Planning Appeal

The Roman Circus site sits adjacent to the former ABRO (Army Base Repair Organisation) land, where plans for a 203-home development have sparked local concern. Colchester City 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.

The current design risks harming the setting of the Roman Circus and fails to make the most of this exceptional location. A more thoughtful layout and design could both protect the historic site and deliver more homes in a way that better supports Colchester’s future.

Local architect Francis Terry, working with Create Streets, has proposed simple changes that would improve the design, increase housing numbers, and better integrate the development with the city and its heritage.