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| Archaeological dig open day next month | ||
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Historic artefacts discovered during an archaeological dig at a city centre site will go on display at an open day next month. The items found beneath the former Bond Street Car Park include shoes, pottery and animal skulls, since digging began in July. The archaeological surveys, being carried out by Northamptonshire Archaeology, are being undertaken before work starts on the Belgrade Plaza development. The mixed-use plaza, being created by Oakmoor Deeley, will include bars, restaurants, two hotels, apartments and a casino as well as a much-improved Leigh Mills Car Park. Work on the Belgrade Plaza will begin in earnest in November after the archaeological work has been completed. The archaeological open day will take place on Saturday, October 8th from 10am and will allow the public to view the findings so far. After that, the discoveries will we sent away for testing before returning to the city at the Herbert Art Gallery. Iain Soden, of Northamptonshire Archaeology, said: “This is a great opportunity for the people of Coventry to see the items we’ve found during this dig. “It’s been absolutely fascinating and a great deal has been learned about this area of the city, which was not particularly prosperous in mediaeval times. “During the open day, there will be people on hand to talk about the items we have discovered. Also there will several archaeologists carrying out excavation work so everyone can get a feel for what we do. “Hopefully, it will be a thoroughly interesting day and will give people a bit of an insight into the history of this part of Coventry.” Oakmoor Deeley has already begun work to improve and extend Leigh Mills Car Park which is expected to re-open in April 2006. The rest of the scheme will be completed in stages and it is anticipated that the whole of Belgrade Plaza will be finished by 2008. Tim Hurdiss, of Oakmoor Deeley, said: “Work is progressing well. We are delighted that the archaeological dig has thrown up items of such interest and it is great that the public will get to view them at the open day. “It is a very interesting part of Coventry’s past from a site that is going to become a crucial place in the city’s future.” George Demidowicz, head of conservation and archaeology for the city centre, said; “Very few people have seen the town ditch in its full width and depth. “The whole of it has been uncovered for the first time and this is an opportunity to people to view it first hand.” The open day is free to all. |
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