Archaeology survey ahead of construction of new Market Place

Construction firm John Sisk & Son Ltd (Sisk) has, together with client Kettering Borough Council, organized for a party of primary school children to visit the site of the new Market Place, which is having an archaeological survey undertaken ahead of construction work.

Nigel Lynch, Site Manager, Sisk said:

“Being a considerate constructor we’re pleased to welcome children from Brambleside School to the site here in Kettering.  They will be regularly visiting the project throughout the build so they can learn about the construction process as well as the history of the market place.

Children from Brambleside Community Primary School had a safety talk from the Sisk Site Manager followed by a briefing from the archaeologist responsible for the dig.  They were given brushes and trowels so they could excavate part of the site themselves to understand how Kettering’s Market Place would have looked when buildings occupied the southern edge of the square.

They were later taken to the Manor House Museum, to see a model of the Market Place in the late 1700's and to learn more of the history of the town. They also enjoyed ice cream at the Council’s tourist information centre.

Paul Thomas, Suite 16 Programme Manager, Kettering Borough Council added:

"We are delighted that we are able to offer local school children the opportunity to get involved in history in action.  Visiting the archaeological dig on the site of the new Market Place restaurants has provided a fascinating glimpse into the past as well as seeing the building of the future."

The School is being invited to return to the site monthly to see how the project is progressing and Nigel will also visit the school to give a talk about construction and how Sisk works with its neighbours when they are building.

Lilias Boyd, Teaching and Learning Manager, Brambleside Community Primary School added:

“The children have experienced local history first hand today, which is a fantastic learning experience for them.  Thanks to Sisk, they know what is happening with this project in their town and we really look forward to the next visit to see how it looks when the building starts.”

The Market Place is a national heritage site and the archaeological survey is a condition of planning for the development that is taking place.

Sisk was appointed by Kettering Borough Council to oversee the reintroduction of buildings that historically occupied the southern edge of the Square. New high quality apartments are being built above a line of restaurants, which are part of a regeneration scheme for the historic Northamptonshire town’s centre.