New Islington Wharf, Ancoats, Manchester, Greater Manchester. Archaeological Investigation.

A proposal to redevelop a large plot of land in the Ancoats area of Manchester, currently being devised by Isis, allows for the erection of a hotel, an office block and retail outlets, and is focused on land bounded by Great Ancoats Street, Old Mill Street and the Ashton under Lyne Canal (centred on SJ 8530 9825). A desk-based assessment of the site concluded that there was a high probability for buried
archaeological remains to survive within the study area, which are likely to be impacted upon by the proposed development (Coxah and Gardner 2003). In particular,
the desk-based assessment identified the site of an early 19th century textile mill, associated industrial structures, and worker’s housing.
In order to assess the extent, nature and preservation of buried remains on the site, Oxford Archaeology North (OA North) was commissioned by CgMs Consulting, acting on behalf of Mace Ltd and ISIS Waterside Regeneration Ltd, to carry out an archaeological evaluation in advance of the proposed development. This comprised the excavation of six targeted trial trenches, which was undertaken by OA North during October 2005.