Archaeological finds dating back to 1235 were some of the challenges contractor Stepnell has faced while regenerating Northampton’s Market Square.
CIOB members learned about this, along with the logistics of a town-centre project, during a site visit in February.
West Northamptonshire Council is working closely with Stepnell on the government-funded project to breathe new life into the space and into the wider town centre.
Experts from Museum of London Archaeology (MOLA) uncovered the finds during excavation work for the new paving and drainage.
Among the many medieval Market Square surfaces were fragments of medieval shoes, textiles, pottery dating from 1200 to 1350, animal bones and wood. Archaeologists also uncovered the remnants of several structures.
The work to the square involves the installation of new paving, public seating, a lighting scheme, market stalls and a new water feature.
This area will offer new permanent market stalls for traders, high-quality seating and planting, a flexible event space and a new water feature.
The regeneration of Market Square will also act as a trigger for the regeneration of surrounding buildings and their associated ground-floor uses.
Works started in February 2023, with estimated completion in the summer of 2024.
