22/06/2011

Issued by Miller Construction

Miller Construction, currently building the new City of York Council headquarters for York Investors LLP, is welcoming visitors to the site to view archaeological finds that were discovered during a routine archaeological dig.

The two-day event is taking place on Saturday 25th June between 10 am and 4pm and Sunday 26th June between 11.00am and 3.00pm. For the first time since 1840 when the first railway station was constructed, the foundations of York's Roman Public Baths will be on display. The site which is of regional and national importance produced unexpected finds including, roman coins, roman pottery and fragments of a life size Roman pot.

Nick Pearson, Director, On Site Archaeology, the company carrying out the archaeological dig, will be present on the day to explain the significance of the finds. The Miller Construction site team will also be on hand to discuss the progress being made on the development.

Steve McManaman, Senior Operations Manager, Miller Construction, said: "As with all major projects, part of our obligation is to carry out an archaeological dig on site. We knew that we would find the foundations for the Roman Baths, however, the archaeology team have also discovered some incredible artefacts and we are delighted to be able to share these with the local community.

"York is renowned for its historical significance and these discoveries further reinforce the importance the city plays in building a picture of the past. The site is of huge regional and national importance and it is hoped that local residents and visitors to the city will come along and enjoy what promises to be an informative and enjoyable day."

Nick Pearson, Director, On Site Archaeology, said: "We will be half way through our dig when the open weekend takes place. This dig is uncovering some of the best quality Roman archaeology which has been found in York for the last twenty years. The significance of these finds will be recorded and form an important part in piecing together this fabulous city in years gone by.

"Visitors will be able to see parts of three phases of the bath-house buildings dated from the late 2nd to early 3rd Century A.D. which are in good condition. In particular one of these buildings has a curved or apsidal end which we believe may be part of the caldarium or hot plunge".

Due for completion in Autumn 2012, the new headquarters will include a customer centre, open-plan office accommodation for approximately 1400 staff, meeting rooms and parking facilities. Council staff from across the city will be relocated into the new headquarter building, enabling all services to be accessed in one place, quickly simply and effectively.

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