Calls for archaeological dig at historic Weymouth site of North Quay council offices

As reported, Dorset Council last week unveiled proposals to demolish the derelict former Weymouth & Portland Borough Council office block, amid plans for a complex of luxury waterside homes and non-retail units to be built in its place.

However the site is said to be 'extremely fertile' for archaeology - and history experts are calling for a full archaeological excavation to take place ahead of the build.

History expert Mark Vine, who spearheaded a campaign for a full archaeological excavation to take place when the North Quay development was originally proposed, is re-igniting the 'Dig the Street' campaign.

He said: "We urge those in power to consider what would be lost, forever, merely for some short term financial gain, if, no such excavation was to be written into the sale agreement.

"Future generations of Weymouth folk, as well as this present one, will have been robbed of absolutely unique and priceless information as to how we got where we are today as a community, much as they were robbed of their built heritage in the 1960s."

Referring to when the old High Street was demolished to make way for the North Quay offices, Mr Vine added, "Sadly, we cannot bring it back. But we can honour that past now, by ensuring that we find out about the many secrets that lie beneath that sacred earth. It is a story which only has one chance of being told."

Dorset Council has vowed to preserve stone steps leading from the current car park area to Chapelhay, which date back to the 12th century. Mr Vine argues that the age of the steps highlights the need for further excavations.

"To put that in perspective, it is the time of Richard the Lionheart," he added. "But of course, Weymouth's history neither began nor ended with that particular century.

"During the English Civil Wars for example, around two hundred royalist soldiers were slaughtered in that very High Street, on that very ground, ambushed and cut down as they attempted to take over the town on the night of February 27, 1645.

"Weymouth has the kind of rich history, that any town would love to own and to lose it all would be a travesty of monumental proportions.

"Please look at the longer game and let's embrace our own history and heritage and use it to build a better and brighter future for the town which we all purport to love."

Suggestions by the Dig the Street group include televising an excavation at the site to attract visitors, helping to offset any costs.

Meanwhile, in 2019, TV historian Dan Snow - aka 'The History Guy' - backed the campaign and told the Echo "it would be a tragedy if this opportunity were lost to investigate the history of one of England's most important ports."

Dig the Street supporters with Dan Snow, 'The History Guy' in 2019

Responding to the campaign, councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council portfolio holder for Economic Growth, Assets and Property, said: "We are acutely sensitive to the historical significance of this location. Routinely, as part of the planning process, we would carry out a Heritage Assessment, but we welcome the specific comments that we have received as part of the public engagement process and will ensure that these comments are considered as part of the overall plan for the site.

“It’s also worth mentioning that the proposed design of the North Quay site incorporates retention of the 12th century steps at the rear of the site.”

Meanwhile, Dorset Council is urging local residents and businesses to share their views and questions on proposals for revedeloping North Quay and the former Weymouth bowling alley site, with a closing date of February 28.

The plans and questionnaire are available to view at www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/north-quay

You can also view an online presentation outlining the proposals at https://youtu.be/pLpQ7CHGyAE