Heritage finds could delay revamp

Medieval artefacts were discovered on the proposed development site

A multi-million pound project to regenerate Preston city centre could be delayed by a number of archaeological discoveries on the site.

Artefacts that could date back to medieval times were unearthed on the proposed 32 acre Tithebarn development.

Fragments of pottery were uncovered in a series of digs commissioned by Lancashire County Council.

The council's planning officer Douglas Muir said: "Further investigative work will need to be carried out."

In total, 75 areas of archaeological significance were found on the site. Of those, nearly half will be potentially impacted by the regeneration plans.

Excavate sites

Mr Muir said: "Pottery that could date back to medieval times, Victorian remains and other artefacts that directly relate to Preston's past have been uncovered.

"We will need to excavate at least two sites and this will be a condition attached to the planning application which will be put forward in 2009.

"If more material is unearthed on these digs then this could mean some delay to the developers.

"This is one of the first detailed explorations of Preston's history, which dates back to the 12th century, who knows what we might find."

The proposed Tithebarn development will feature new shops, bus station, cinema, bars, restaurants, 500 homes and an extra 2,700 parking spaces in the city centre.

It is being led by Preston Tithebarn Partnership which includes developers Grosvenor and Lend Lease, as well as Preston City Council.