In response to Dorset Council’s recent public engagement on its initial development proposals for the North Quay site, a number of comments were made about the historical importance of the site, particularly as it was the location of action during the Civil War in 1645.
It is not clear what, if any, archaeological evidence remains as the site has been built on many times over the intervening centuries. The erection of North Quay itself will have been a major disturbance and, as with any building, there are numerous utilities services underground across the site.
To ensure the best opportunity is made available to investigate what does remain, Dorset Council has engaged Context One, a company that specialises in archaeological evaluation. They have studied historical maps of the area and where the services now run. They have recommended four trenches to be dug in areas which have been least disturbed over the years and which have been selected as being most likely to reveal if findings of an archaeological interest remain.
If significant finds are unearthed this will lead to a larger plan to ensure any residual archaeology is properly investigated.
From Tuesday 20 April, investigations will take place at the North Quay car park. Dorset Council will close the majority of the North Quay car park for the duration of these investigative works which are expected to last about 5-8 days.
Unfortunately Covid restrictions will prevent local volunteers from taking part in the works. To ensure the public can see what is found as the dig progresses, Context One will post photos and videos of their work on social media throughout the project, and these will be shared through Dorset Council channels.
Full planning application for summer 2021
Dorset Council will receive a full archaeological report the following month and this will be shared publicly. This report will then make up part of the Full Planning Application to be submitted in summer 2021. The Planning Application will include both North Quay and the former Weymouth Bowl sites. Archaeological investigation on the Weymouth Bowl site is planned for autumn 2021.
Cllr Tony Ferrari, Portfolio Holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property with special responsibility for Regeneration and Development in Weymouth, said: “Whatever the outcome for North Quay as a development it presents us with a unique opportunity to dig deep into the history of Weymouth. I look forward in anticipation to what we might find.”
What is Dorset Council looking to develop on the North Quay and Weymouth Bowl sites?
The proposed developments will:
- provide appropriate and aesthetically pleasing proposals, in keeping with the character of each area
- deliver new housing, including affordable housing
- address environmental concerns
- offer community space to generate much needed finance to part fund the repair and raising of the harbour walls
- contribute to the wider regeneration of Weymouth
You can read more detail about the proposals here.
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