ITEM NO.
REPORT OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF HOUSING AND PLANNING
TO THE LEAD MEMBER FOR PLANNING
ON 28th November 2005
TITLE : ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK BASED SURVEY OF THE GREENGATE AREA
RECOMMENDATIONS :
It is recommended that Lead Member:
(1) approve the commissioning of an Archaeological Desk-Based Survey of the Greengate and
Gravel Lane area of Salford at a total cost of £11.120 + VAT.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY : You may be aware of my report to the meeting of the Culture Cabinet
Working Group on 10th October 2005 concerning ‘Virtual Reality in regeneration’. This set
out a proposal to interpret Archaeology through a timeline journey in an around the former
town square of medieval Salford. This report seeks permission to extend this programme by
the funding of an Archaeological Desk-Based Survey.
BACKGROUND DOCUMENTS :Report by Norman Redhead, Greater Manchester
Archaeological Unit the Exchange Greengate Redevelopment, Salford Public Realm works –
project design for an archaeological desk-based assessment & archaeological proposal for
Greengate Redevelopment Area
(Available for public inspection)
ASSESSMENT OF RISK:Low
SOURCE OF FUNDING: Funding from the Section 106 contributions in the Chapel Street area.
£11,120 + VAT
COMMENTS OF THE STRATEGIC DIRECTOR OF CUSTOMER AND SUPPORT SERVICES
(or his representative):
1. LEGAL IMPLICATIONS
Provided by :Pauline Lewis
2. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Provided by :Steve Bayley
PROPERTY (not applicable):
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HUMAN RESOURCES (not applicable):
CONTACT OFFICER :Joe Martin
WARD(S) TO WHICH REPORT RELATE(S): Irwell Riverside
KEY COUNCIL POLICIES: Chapel Street Regeneration & Greengate Development Framework
DETAILS
BACKGROUND:
The first archaeological excavation took place on a site at the junction of Greengate and
Gravel Lane in late 2004. This excavation unearthed several significant archaeological finds,
including a medieval archers arm brace.
From documented archaeological records it is clear that there should be more significant
archaeology in the area. It is hoped to locate the positions of the former Salford Cross,
Stocks Town Pump (or Conduit) and also the site of the former Town Exchange/Courthouse.
CURRENT POSITION:
Attached in Appendix (i) is a report by Dr Peter Arrowsmith via Norman Redhead, Assistant
County Archaeologist from the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit. The report is
entitled :
“THE EXCHANGE GREENGATE REDEVELOPMENT, SALFORD:
PUBLIC REALM WORKS-PROJECT DESIGN FOR AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL
DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER
ARCHAEOLOGICAL UNIT”
Attached in appendix (ii) is a further report by Norman Redhead entitled:
“ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROPOSAL FOR GREENGATE REDEVELOPMENT AREA”
AIMS
The assessment will aim to identify the nature of the below-ground archaeological resource
,within the Greengate area, to assess its significance and to make appropriate
recommendations for the future treatment of any archaeological remains which may be
affected by the proposed works.
The assessment is also intended to inform the refurbishment of Salford’s historic market
place, to identify the potential of the archaeological resource for community archaeology,
and to assist any future provisions for education and interpretation.
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CONCLUSION:
The full reportS, set out in Appendix (I) AND (II), seeks to inform about the likely archaeology
in the area which could be used for a Virtual Environmental Programme for interpretation
and educational use by members of the public and particularly by schools within and beyond
the boundaries of Salford.
The University of Manchester well be able to undertake the assessment for a cost of
£11,120 + VAT. The breakdown of this cost is set out in the report.
Malcolm Sykes
Strategic Director of Housing and Planning
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