Specialist confined space archaeology keeps project on time and budget
Client: One North East
Location: The Bethel Chapel Crypt, Sunderland, UK
Project description: Archaeological excavation and post excavation reporting to discharge a planning condition
The specialist team were trained in working in confined spaces and the excavation of human remains, enabling completion of works to a crucial deadline for the commencement of demolition phase to budget - under extremely challenging conditions
Wardell Armstrong Archaeology was commissioned to undertake the excavation and recording of the Bethel Chapel Crypt, at 12-14 Villiers Street, Sunderland, Tyne and Wear (NGR NZ 4007 5710). One North East acquired the site in 2008, as part of a planned programme of strategic site acquisitions in the historic Sunniside area, which forms the eastern part of Sunderland city centre. The site of 12-14 Villiers Street forms part of an area identified primarily for family-led residential use.
Support for and management 0f all archaeological elements
All aspects of the archaeological project were managed on behalf of One North East from initial negotiation/liaison with the Tyne and Wear Specialist Conservation Team and English Heritage through to providing a team of professional archaeologists to undertake the site works which included the excavation of 409 burials. Wardell Armstrong also provided the CDM management and implementation on this project which included numerous potentially problematic health and safety concerns that were successfully managed.
More about specialist skills and equipment for confined space archaeology »
Advantages to One North East
- Negotiation with the Tyne and Wear Specialist Conservation Team to ensure the archaeological requirements to discharge the planning condition were proportionate and justified
- Provided a specialist team that were trained in working in confined spaces and the excavation of human remains
- Combined co-ordination of the archaeological fieldwork, site management and CDM regulations.
- Completion of works to a crucial deadline for the commencement of demolition phase to budget under extremely challenging conditions.
- Attending design team meetings to inform upon other aspects of the development
Images (above) show:-
- Winch system to remove spoil arising from archaeological excavation of the crypt
- Crypt ventilation system for confined space archaeological work
- Archaeological excavation within the crypt
