COUNCILLORS will work with the owners of a building housing one of the most remarkable Roman finds in Europe to reopen it to the public.

Claudius Gateway café, opposite Colchester Castle, closed for a second time last year.

The café showcases Roman ruins dating back almost 2,000 years.

Through a glass floor, visitors can see a section of a massive arcade which formed the front of the imposing Temple of Claudius, upon which the Norman castle now sits.

Flying Trade Group decided to showcase the discovery as part of plans to build apartments and a café.

The volunteer-run cafe and museum first opened in May 2017, but closed in November 2018 due to a lack of support.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

The company later teamed up with Colchester Rough Sleepers Group to get the café back up and running in July, but it closed in November.

Now a report set to go before Colchester Council’s Cabinet recommends the situation is reviewed and talks are held with the Flying Trade Group.

The council’s heritage and tourism task and finish group discussed the matter at a meeting last month.

The report said: “The group discussed the history of the site and the attempts had been made to find a viable way of ensuring public access to the ruins.

“It noted the most recent tenant of the café on the site had given notice they would be closing.

“The group considered it was important the public access to the site was maintained and more discussions should be considered by cabinet members on how to work to keep the building available to the public.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

A spokesman for the Flying Trade Group said: “We recognise Claudius Gateway is an important heritage site for the town, albeit the visitor numbers did not reflect this.

“We continue to have discussions with Colchester Council to see how Claudius Gateway and Colchester heritage and tourism can work in collaboration keeping the site open.”