Rome's Archaeological Heritage Department has completed the first phase of a major restoration of the historic Colosseum, aimed at returning the landmark to its former glory and possibly turning it into a regular entertainment venue.

With funding support from Italian fashion brand Tod’s Group, the first phase of restoration has included the surface cleaning of the northern and southern façades, removing dirt and gunge created mainly by vehicle pollution, which gave the Colosseum a darkened look.

Since work started in 2011, 13,300sq m (143,160sq ft) of the Colosseum has been washed with atomised water and then hand-scrubbed to remove dirt deposits. Any significant cracks uncovered in the crumbling relic have then been rebonded using an injection of lime mortar. The current arch enclosure system has also been replaced with new gates.

Phase two of restoration will include work on the Colosseum’s underground vaults and passages – the areas where gladiators would wait before they entered the arena. Work will begin with a mapping survey, followed by the same washing procedure carried out on the building’s facade. It will also grant new public access to parts of the Colosseum currently too fragile or dangerous to visit. The existing visitor centre, currently inside the Colosseum, will be relocated to the amphitheatre’s exterior.

By the end of 2018, the arena’s floor will also be replaced with one that could support modern-day entertainment, potentially turning the cultural icon into an entertainment landmark, according to Italy’s culture minister, Dario Franceschini.

The entire restoration is thought to be costing around €25m (US$27.8m, £21.2m). The work is part of a larger scheme with Italy’s government calling on some of the country’s most iconic brands to help restore its historic buildings. Brands such as Bulgari, Fendi and Diesel have all signed up, spending millions of euros to restore the likes of the Trevi Fountain and Venice’s Rialto Bridge.