COVENTRY housebuilder, The Hill Group and its commercial specialist partner, Shearer Property Group have started archaeological works in preparation for the first phase of development at City Centre South.
The £450million regeneration project is set to redefine Coventry’s city centre, and the ongoing archaeological investigation is a crucial step to preserve the sites heritage.
A team of archaeologists from Cotswold Archaeology have started a survey of the site, with trenching activities in various locations such as Barracks car park, Bull Yard, and Shelton Square.
The preliminary works are projected to last seven to eight weeks, with attention to minimising disruption to businesses and visitors.
23 different sized trial trenches will be made, aimed at delineating the line of the historic city wall and identify any archaeological remnants.
Discoveries made during these excavations will be logged and protected.
The development team are working with Coventry City Council and West Midlands Police to implement emergency protocols in the event of unearthing any unexploded ordnance remaining from the city’s bombing during World War II.
Andy Fancy, managing director at The Hill Group said: “We are committed to carrying out the archaeological investigation works at City Centre South both safely and sensitively to protect any historical findings before the start of construction.
“These works are a routine part of the development process and essential due to the development’s location at the heart of Coventry’s historic centre.”
The first phase of City Centre South, which has received approval for nearly a thousand homes, including 200 affordable units, will also accommodate retail spaces, businesses, and public open spaces.
Designed by architecture firm Allies and Morrison, the development integrates contemporary design elements inspired by Coventry’s rich heritage.
Construction at City Centre South is set to commence in the autumn, with the initial homes anticipated to be ready for occupancy by early 2027.
