THE team working to showcase a historic roman artefact in Colchester city centre say works will get “underway this year”.
A piece of Roman mosaic was discovered in 2022 in Red Lion Yard by archaeologists who had planned to recover and display the relic.
But the project was halted after a high-voltage cable running directly above the mosaic was found to be in the way, raising infrastructure changes and costs.
The plans were resurrected last year by the old Colchester Council administration, in collaboration with museums boss Frank Hargrave and Red Lion Shopping Centre.
Shopping centre boss Martin Leatherdale previously hoped for excavation work to begin in the first half of this year for the 150sq m lit glass pavement near unit 12 which will let shoppers see it as they walk over.
The Gazette reported on the uncertainty around the project in June but now nine months into 2026, Mr Leatherdale says it is still happening.
“We’re really pleased that the project continues to move forward and our focus remains firmly on getting works underway this year," he said.
“The team is currently progressing discussions with the contractor, and multiple partners, including finalising the detailed programme, so we can move into the next stage with confidence.
“This is an incredibly special piece of Colchester’s Roman history and, as we’ve seen from the huge public interest in the mosaic from the very beginning, there is a real appetite to see it brought permanently into view.
"It’s important that we get every detail right to protect the archaeology for the long term, rather than rush the final stages.
“We’re looking forward to seeing activity on site and taking another big step towards giving residents and visitors the opportunity to enjoy this remarkable piece of history right here in the heart of the city.”
Purcell Architecture was appointed by the council to develop a design “that provides a glass walkway” over the mosaic which is “buried nearly a metre below Red Lion Yard”, a planning statement said.
Councillor Darius Laws was Colchester’s heritage chief in 2022 and was a leading force behind the discovery of the Red Lion Yard mosaic at the time.
Speaking about the project, the portfolio holder for culture, heritage and environment, said: "The Roman Mosaic is an extraordinary reminder of Colchester's place as Britain's first Roman City.
“It has the potential to become a major cultural attraction in the city centre.
"Our ambition is not simply to uncover the mosaic, but to ensure it can be displayed and interpreted in a way that helps people understand and appreciate this remarkable part of our history.
"Projects of this significance take time, but the prize is a lasting addition to Colchester's heritage offer that residents and visitors will be able to enjoy for many years to come."
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