News release: London, 12 August 2013: Grosvenor Britain & Ireland’s archaeological investigations at the site of Southampton’s new arts complex have started on site. The works mark the next stage in the development process and are an important precursor to construction of the new arts complex.

Over the course of five weeks, the archaeologists from Archaeology Southern (part of University College London) will investigate two areas within the northern half of the site, which was formerly home to the Tyrrell & Green department store. Previous archaeological investigations have taken place but this is the first time that Grosvenor Britain & Ireland, who are leading the scheme, have carried out these works.

Simon Armstrong, project manager at Grosvenor Britain & Ireland said:

“The archaeological investigation is a key part of our pre-construction activities and an important milestone for the scheme. We are a step closer to delivering the scheme but still have some hurdles to overcome. Southampton has a rich and important archaeological heritage and there is evidence of Iron Age, Bronze Age, Roman and Saxon settlements in the vicinity. The purpose of the excavation is to make sure we do not disturb any archaeological deposits that remain in the ground.”

The earliest evidence of settlements on or near the site of the scheme is the Iron Age and it is believed that a Leper Hospital was built on or near the site in c.1174 that operated until the fourteenth century. Since the 1900s, the site has been used for both residential and retail use until the Tyrrell & Green store closed in 2000. The site stood derelict until it was demolished in 2006.