Recognising the archaeological importance of the Charles Street development, Dorchester

 

Cowlin Construction, working for developer Simons Group, began construction on the first phase of the Charles Street project in June.

The first phase of the project will provide new offices for West Dorset District Council and a library and adult learning centre for Dorset County Council.

The Charles Street site has an important Roman heritage and lies close to the southern edge of the Roman town, Durnovaria. The row of trees along South Walks marks the line of reconstruction of the Roman town walls and the Roman public baths stood not far away.

The town’s heritage is extremely important and due to the potential archaeological sensitivities of the site, Cowlin has appointed Wessex Archaeology to ensure this important development receives the specialist attention it needs.

The design of the buildings and the construction programme have also been carefully planned to ensure excavation is only required in a few small areas.

Cowlin Construction has provided viewing holes enabling the public to safely view site activities. To keep local stakeholders informed of any archaeological developments posters detailing archaeological supervision, excavation and any new finds have been posted on the sites boundary hoardings.

Andrew Pollett, Simons Group Project Director said: “Dorchester’s archaeological heritage is extremely important to the project team as well as the people of Dorchester. We hope that the viewing holes provided by Cowlin Construction along with the archaeological posters will ensure everyone is kept up to date.”

Neil Holbrook, Costwold Archaeology, archaeology consultant to Simons Group said: “During their initial excavation Wessex Archaeology uncovered the remains of a Roman child, not an uncommon find in a Roman town as the bodies of children were often buried inside the settlement. Stone foundations of roman houses, painted wall plaster and coins and pottery have also been found.”

Once specialists have examined any finds they will be offered to the Dorset County Museum. A report will also be produced for the public.

The first phase of the Charles Street development is due for completion in Autumn 2012.

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