WORK to transform Dorchester's Roman Town House has been praised after the site was officially reopened.

The Roman Town House project - backed by a National Lottery grant of almost £250,000 - started in November 2019 to complete essential works to the mosaics and covering building, and to improve access and interpretation at the Colliton Park site behind County Hall.

It’s hoped the improvements, along with an exciting programme of ticketed events, will help to attract more visitors. The programme of entertainment events has been organised by the Arts Development Company and will take place over the summer using the event space and the new amphitheatre-style seating.

A launch event which was held outside for 30 guests recognised the work of Dorset Council and partners to improve, preserve and make the site more accessible for a wider audience.

Representatives from partners involved in the project, including Dorset Council, Dorset Museum and The Arts Development Company gave a series of talks and there was a musical performance from local duo, Milk and Two.

The site is the only example of a fully exposed Roman Town House in the country. It was exposed during excavations in 1937-8.

Work to enhance it and make it more accessible was made possible thanks to a £248,000 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Enhanced visitor information and improved accessibility mean the public can enjoy an overall better experience from their visit. New interpretation boards which have been placed strategically around the site, an audio system and more detailed information in the cover building help to portray the fascinating history.

Nature-friendly improvements have helped to make the site a haven for wildlife. This has included landscaping areas to encourage pollinator friendly plants and the installation of bat boxes and hedgehog houses.

Cllr Noc Lacey-Clarke, Cabinet Lead Member for Environment, Travel and Harbours, said: “I’d like to say a heartfelt congratulations to all those who have been involved and worked on the project.

"The changes have been made with creativity and consideration for the site and we look forward to seeing the Roman Town House provide education and enjoyment to many more visitors.”

Guided tours and school visits inside the cover building are available. They give visitors the chance to hear about the different features and see the mosaics, which were cleaned and repaired by specialist conservators as part of the project.

The Roman Town House is open to visitors and guided tours can be booked via Dorset Museum.