Source/Archive record SCH5478 - An Archaeological Desk-Based Assessment at Bridge Street Quarter, Warrington, Cheshire

In October 2010 Archaeological Research Services Ltd were commissioned by Ian Farmer Associates to undertake an archaeological desk-based assessment on land at the Bridge Street Quarter, Warrington,prior to proposed development of the site. The archaeological desk-based assessment has identified that the town of Warrington largely developed in themedieval period However, modern developments have substantially altered the original character of the town. The potential survival of archaeological horizons can, at present, only be predicted on a case by case basis, but it is significant that some medieval remains of the friary have been found, despite extensive re-development. It should be noted that Bridge Street in particular was substantially widened at the end of the 19th century (Shaw and Clark 2003) and hence the earlier property frontages on the western side potentially survive below the present road and pavement. Moreover, the majority of the site was considerably re-developed in the 1960s and 1970s except for most of Bridge Street and Buttermarket Street. Other than the Grade II Listed Buildings, current evidence does not suggest that archaeological sites of national importance meriting preservation in situ will be present within the area of proposed development. The presence of other sites of sufficient importance to merit in situ preservation also appears highly unlikely. There is a potential that remains of local to regional significance are preserved, especially if there are any pockets of medieval deposits within the proposed development area. Three different levels of potential for archaeological remains to survive have been identified across the site. With any development in the areas of low-medium and medium potential, further work is recommended, whether as evaluation to determine the presence/absence of archaeological remains, or using archaeological monitoring of groundworks as a mitigation measure. With developments in the area of low potential, these should be assessed on a case-by-case basis to determine if modern developments are likely to have removed any archaeological deposits. The impact of any proposed development on Listed Buildings within and around the site will need to be considered as part of the re-development, and Conservation Area Consent will need to be obtained prior todevelopment. Any developments near Listed Buildings, or non-designated heritage assets, will also need to take into account the potential impact on their setting.