Human remains find halts work on new Wolverhampton market
Work on Wolverhampton’s new outdoor market could be stalled for several weeks following the discovery of ancient human remains.
Wolverhampton council has had to apply for an exhumation licence from the Ministry of Justice before the remains can be properly recovered.
Investigations are also ongoing to see whether the area could be home to a wider burial ground. Bosses said work would continue ‘where possible’ elsewhere on the site, without disturbing the area.
It is believed the remains could date back to the 18th century when a chapel stood at the site.
The new market in Cleveland Street, which will see traders moved from Market Square, is due to open in July.
A council spokesman said that date still stood, despite the discovery of the remains, but that the picture would become clearer in the coming weeks.
The discovery on Thursday came just hours after the official opening date for the market was revealed.
It has threatened to cause more delays to the project. The market was originally due to launch during spring but issues with ground conditions put the opening back.
The council spokesman said: “Parts of the ancient human remains discovered yesterday at the new city centre market in Wolverhampton have been sent to Dundee University for further tests.
Records
“The council is also applying to the Ministry of Justice for the appropriate exhumation licence, which could take several weeks to be granted.
“Where possible, market works will continue elsewhere on site without disturbing the ground where the remains rest.
“We know an 18th century chapel once stood where the new market is being developed and it is likely the remains are associated with it.
“At this stage we are only aware of one set of human remains and we cannot find any records of a burial site at that location.
“However, we are working closely with archaeological experts to establish if this is an isolated set of remains or if they form part of a wider burial ground.”
Traders are being relocated to the site of the former Netto shop.
The market is moving to free up Market Square, which will be part of the £55 million Westside retail and leisure development.
