Archaeological dig starts ahead of redevelopment at The Grafton centre in Cambridge

Archaeologists have started digging into the history of the Kite area of Cambridge before significant works begin later this year to redevelop The Grafton centre and turn part of it into a new science hub.

The work is being carried out by AOC Archaeology and the dig site – protected by hoardings – will cover what was previously the carpark for Abbeygate House on Burleigh Place.

The Kite neighbourhood was developed in the 19th century, and The Grafton centre sits on top of an area that formerly had buildings including private residences, schools, a church and pubs – as well as historically being a major centre of the Cambridge brewing industry.

An evaluation has already taken place to investigate the archaeological survivals and locate any preserved remains. This identified remnants of walls and structures that predated The Grafton centre and are thought to relate to terraced housing.

And hints of much earlier activity have been uncovered within the wider area, including Bronze Age food vessels, an Iron Age burial site, Saxon jewellery and medieval rubbish pits.

Yvonne Robertson, from AOC Archaeology, said: “The redevelopment of The Grafton centre gives us an opportunity to dig into the history of the neighbourhood, and will provide a fascinating insight into the everyday lives of the people and communities who lived in The Kite in the 18th-19th centuries, as well as the potential to identify even earlier remains. “People have lived in Cambridge for more than 2,100 years – from prehistoric settlement, to a Roman fort, a Viking camp, then a thriving medieval town and an important modern city.

“If we find any material remains here, our archaeologists will clean and fully record it. Then our post-excavation team will look at all the finds and environmental material in more detail.

“We will report back to the public about what we find, and how that deepens our understanding of what life was like in Cambridge in the past.”

Queen Elizabeth II gave her royal seal of approval to the multi-million pound Grafton centre when she unveiled a plaque to marks its official opening in May 1984.

Cambridge City Council approved plans in February 2024 put forward by the developer, Pioneer Group Ltd, to partially demolish the centre and neighbouring Abbeygate House to build new life science laboratories. The plans got the green light despite objections over the impact of the proposed building heights on the city’s historic skyline.

John O’Shea, manager of The Grafton centre said: “As we start the redevelopment of The Grafton centre, I am excited we have hit another milestone.

“We are ultimately working towards breathing life back into The Grafton centre, bringing new shops, cafés, and public spaces for local people to enjoy – all supported by new science labs that will bring hundreds of employees here every day, getting lunch in our local cafés and shopping in our local stores.”