FUNDING to improve Chester’s amphitheatre has been earmarked.

The borough council has set aside £300,000 to fund a programme of improvements designed to increase the drawing power of the internationally renowned ancient monument.

The project, undertaken in partnership with Chester Renaissance, will enhance the appeal of Britain’s largest amphitheatre as an open-air performance venue.

“The amphitheatre is a key element of the historic integrity of Chester and one of the most important elements of our cultural offer,” said Cllr Richard Short, executive member, culture and recreation.

“Its’ size reflects the importance of Roman Chester, the largest military garrison in Europe.”

Rita Waters, chief executive of Chester Renaissance said: "The works will enable the amphitheatre to be brought back to life as an open-air venue for concerts and theatrical performances as well as a much improved tourist destination. Work will start on site early October this year and should be completed by Jan 2010.”

Archaeological excavations in 2004-5 revealed the foundations of the walls of both the original amphitheatre (circa AD 80-100) and its successor but trenches were back-filled to protect the masonry from deterioration.

It is planned to mark the route of those walls so that the public will get a better idea of the scale of a structure built on the lines of the Imperial area of Pompeii.

Improvements will also include site exhibitions depicting Roman Chester, artistic representations of how the original amphitheatre would have looked in the days of the 20th Legion, conservation of fragile standing masonry and improved visitor signage and way making.

The project is part of the overall scheme of £600,000 to improve the Grosvenor Park and St John’s Church area.