Highway Improvements, Angel Street, Manchester. Archaeological Watching Brief

The site is of considerable archaeological interest, as it forms one of the foci of Manchester’s pioneering industrial areas. In particular, the area was occupied by various forms of workers’ housing, which were established from the late eighteenth century onwards. The archaeological and historical significance of the below-ground remains of these buildings was demonstrated vividly in 2009 and 2012 during the archaeological excavations carried out as part of the enabling works for the construction of the Headquarters Building
In order to secure these interests, and following consultation with the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service (GMAAS), Manchester City Council
attached a condition to planning consent for the proposed highways work. This condition required an archaeological watching brief to be maintained during construction works, in accordance with a Written Scheme of Investigation. The
watching brief was intended to monitor any earth-moving works required by the proposed development, including the excavation of foundations, service trenches, and the removal of modern hard surfacing. The watching brief was carried out by Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) between March 2012 and February 2013.