Site Event/Activity record ECH4802 - Environmental Statement - High Bay Regional Distribution Centre

An archaeological desk-based assessment undertaken as part of an environmental impact assessment of land at Widnes which is subject to proposals for development as a regional distribution centre. Most of the identifiable sites within the proposed development relate to its industrial development since the late 19th century. However, the majority of these have been demolished and replaced successive development of the area since 1950 and the area retains little evidence of its industrial heritage. From the mid-19th century much of the area was used for the dumping of chemical waste which still covers much of the area. Prior to its industrialisation the area was occupied salt marsh crossed by the Ditton and Steward’s Brook and was subject to periodic flooding by the Mersey. Map evidence suggests that the area was not occupied during the medieval and later periods. However, there is significant evidence for the presence of Roman and earlier deposits within the area. In addition borehole data suggests that the Roman deposits found during the excavation of a well at Ditton Station situated close to the north-west corner of the site, may be present within the proposed development. There is the additional possibility that deposits relating to Prehistoric land use also lie deeply buried within the proposed development. It was not been possible to establish the extent of survival of below-ground archaeological remains within the study area. However, the site is very likely to be waterlogged and any organic remains present, e.g. timber, are likely to be well preserved. However, the site’s past history as a disposal site for Widnes’s chemical industry suggests that any such deposits are likely to be contaminated with alkali and other potential contaminants waste.