The Romans may have a left Barton a while ago, but they are about to make a spectacular comeback.

The Oxford estate is believed to be the scene of the first Roman settlement in the area two millennia ago.

Residents now have the chance to celebrate their ancient roots with a new 27-metre wide amphitheatre, planned as part of a £250,000 makeover.

Locals will decide next week whether they want a bronze Roman-style arch, a giant spiralling column, or a series of illuminated multi-coloured glass panels to mark the start of a walkway to the Underhill Circus shopping parade and new amphitheatre.

A series of alternate red, green and blue lights will form a 'curtain of light' next to the shops and more lights will be embedded in steps leading from the walkway to the amphitheatre.

The designs are the result of workshops held with groups on the estate and run by artist Peter Dunn.

The work will include moments from Barton's history and feature the building of the first community centre, when residents contributed bricks and built it themselves.

Hundreds of designs will be etched on to brass and then attached to bricks, which will be used to create either the column or the archway.

Mr Dunn said: "There have been a number of incidents in Barton's history which have involved 'contribute a brick' campaigns, from the church to the swimming pool.

"We have already done 10 workshops in the area including all ages from toddlers to elders. We started the process with 'Design a Barton Brick' asking them to develop two themes: firstly to design their logo, then to create an image representing 'their gift to Barton'."

It is hoped that the whole redevelopment will be finished by June next year to coincide with a giant 'Barton Bash' party to celebrate the estate's 100th anniversary.

The makeover is funded by money from developers who were granted planning permission for buildings on the estate. It was commissioned by arts charity Fusion on behalf of Oxford City Council.

People can vote on the designs and pass comment when they go on display during workshops at 4pm and 6pm on Tuesday, at the community centre.