Source/Archive record SCH5325 - Development at the YMCA Building (former GPO Sorting Office), Station Road, Chester

This report contains the results of an archaeological watching brief undertaken during excavation works in association with development of the property commonly referred to as the former YMCA building, Chester. The building was apparently purchased by the YMCA, who never adapted the site for occupation. The building was constructed in 1912 as the General Post Office Sorting Office, sited opposite Chester mainline station where the mail delivery arrived. Planning permission was granted to Watkin Jones Homes for conversion of the YMCA building to 34 apartments, with the proviso that an archaeological watching brief should be undertaken during ground disturbing works in association with the development. A historic building record of the former General Post Office Sorting Office was commissioned by Watkin Jones Homes and completed by Castlering Archaeology in April 2010. As part of the current development, the classical style façade and side wings of the 1912 building have been retained to reflect its important architectural contribution to the Conservation Area known as the Station Quarter. Development works included demolition of the rear two-storey red brick south wing added to the main building in the 1930s period. Demolition of this wing and the interior of the 1912 building exposed the extent of the 1912 cellarage. The demolition material was crushed to form the foundation for the new build, which has been constructed on a piled framework. Excavations were monitored intermittently in June and July 2010, almost entirely limited to the depth of the crushed mat foundation. No new archaeological features were revealed. However, the watching brief has provided the opportunity to record the internal walls of the 1912 building and to confirm the extent of the basement area.