Chester prepares for 'significant' Roman dig

The eight-storey office building Commerce House will be demolished and foundations studied by archaeologists before making way for the city's new theatre, if special consent is granted by Department for Communities & Local Government.

Cheshire West & Chester Council has applied to Government for permission to demolish the block as part of site preparations for the new theatre. As Commerce House is within a conservation area it requires ministerial consent for demolition.

An archaeological desk-based assessment of the theatre site was commissioned by CWAC's historic environment service earlier this year. It concluded the 'foundations of Folliott House and Commerce House undoubtedly damaged archaeological remains in these areas but significant remains probably survive beneath and around both of them.'

Full Story