July 2020

It is now over 12 months since the Kingsgate Park project began. Fortunately, construction has continued during lockdown, with all the precautions in place, as required by law, to ensure a safe working environment.

Medieval Winchester

As part of the planning conditions, the site is subject to an Archaeological watching brief. In May, much to the excitement of the archaeologists, they started to make some discoveries. At first, it was medieval pottery and a knife and then subsequently a medieval lane and a stone-lined well. The lane was last mapped in the 1370s and has been identified as Gynge Lane. It runs directly across the path of the new Sports Centre up to St Cross Road. In fact, the main reception entrance and corridor will sit over the line of the lane.

Two past residents are recorded in historic records as living on “Gynge” Lane in 1320; Ralph the Clerk to the Cathedral and William of Exeter.

The well is of the same age and by the side of the lane, which is apparently unusual and perhaps indicates that it was a commercial well.

A team of archaeologists are plotting the exact route of the lane and recovering and recording any finds of significance before work can continue. The archaeology is causing considerable delays, however, due process is being followed so that a historic feature of the City can be properly documented.

Work over the summer

The demolition of the old PE Centre is now complete and the site cleared ready for the next phase of work. Once the archaeological dig is complete, work on the project can begin again.

• Dewatering for the deep excavations around the swimming pool area.
• The completion of the reduced level excavations across the site.
• The installation of the remaining piling mats so that the creation of a secure foundation can begin.
• Delivery of significant amounts of crushed stone to be used in the foundation.

The timeline

The construction of the new Sports Centre will start later in the year, in the north west corner of the site where the new swimming pool will be located. This will be followed by the fitness suite and finally the new Sports Hall.