around the centre of Northampton's market square as developers begin preparations for the £8.4 million renovation of the site. West Northamptonshire Council said the works, predicted to take around 18 months, will create "an area for communities, businesses, and traders to enjoy and be proud of".
WNC said they and Stepnell have now completed ground investigations. "This involved digging 15 trial holes and 12 boreholes in locations identified by the project team over a four-week period", a statement released today read.WNC explained: "The area must be carefully excavated, taking, and investigating samples that will inform how the market square is transformed. This is in addition to the ground investigations completed during the design development stage.
WNC added an archaeologist has been on site "ensuring the redevelopment does not cause harm to potential archaeology in the ground". Northampton Market has long been rumoured to be built on top of secret tunnels running underneath Northampton and has its own rich history reaching back to the 12th century.
The council say Commercial Street was the "only viable location" for traders to be moved to "as other areas in the town, including Abington St which is due to begin works on the new public realm later this year, are due to be transformed in the coming months as part of the wider town regeneration".