THE buried history underneath the Station Approach site has been discussed between archaeologists and local people.

Plans for Station Approach, adjacent to Winchester Train Station, include Grade A office space, along with shops, restaurants and cafés to create a vibrant new gateway to the city.

More than 20 people attended the event hosted at Winchester City Council including representatives from Hampshire Cultural Trust, Winchester University, HCC Historic Environment, City of Winchester Trust, Hampshire Field Club and Winchester Archaeology Rescue Group.

The expert panel included Richard Greatorex from Cotswold Archaeology (who undertook trial excavation work at the site in 2016), Paul Bennett of the Canterbury Archaeology Trust (who has been part of the CWR Archaeological Advisory Panel) and Tracy Matthews, archaeologist at Winchester City Council along with Chas Bradfield, strategic director–place and Ian Charie, Head of Programme at Winchester City Council.

Cllr Steve Miller, chairman of the Cabinet (Station Approach) Committee said: “Plans for the Station Approach area are at a critical stage and the archaeology at the site presents a very exciting opportunity for the city. We will ensure there are lots of opportunities for interested residents and organisations to see, and learn from, the extensive history that the site contains. We are also committed to reflecting this in improvements to the public space next to the station as part of our plans.”

Paul Bennett, director at the Canterbury Archaeological Trust, added: “This event hosted by Winchester City Council today has been very proactive and positive. Not many local authorities undertake this type of engagement so early in the planning and development process and the council should be congratulated for doing so.”

The Station Approach site has been extensively studied and contains archaeological remains from the Iron Age through to Roman times and the medieval period.

Further archaeological works are expected to take place in 2020 and will be completed by early 2021.