AN ARCHAEOLOGICAL investigation will take place around Weymouth's former council offices after residents voiced concerns that historical gems could be lost forever when the site is transformed into luxury housing.

Dorset Council has received comments from a number of local residents expressing concerns about the historical importance of North Quay after it was announced the former council offices would be demolished and turned into homes.

Dorset Echo: Proposed luxury homes at North Quay Picture: Dorset CouncilProposed luxury homes at North Quay Picture: Dorset Council

The site was a location of action during the Battle of Weymouth in the Civil War in 1645 and, although it is unclear if any archaeological evidence remains as the site has been built on many times over the intervening centuries, it is still possible some findings of archaeological interest might still be there.

The council has joined forced with Context One, a company that specialises in archaeological evaluation, who have recommended four trenches be dug in the areas which have been least disturbed over the years and which have been selected as being most likely to reveal if findings of an archaeological interest remain.

If significant finds are unearthed this will lead to a larger plan to ensure any residual archaeology is properly investigated.

From Tuesday, April 20, investigations will take place at the North Quay car park. Dorset Council will close the majority of the North Quay car park for the duration of these investigative works which are expected to last between five and eight days.

Dorset Echo: The site as it looks nowThe site as it looks now

Councillor Tony Ferrari, Dorset Council portfolio holder for economic growth, assets and property with special responsibility for regeneration and development in Weymouth, said: "Whatever the outcome for North Quay as a development it presents us with a unique opportunity to dig deep into the history of Weymouth. I look forward in anticipation to what we might find."

Dorset Council will receive a full archaeological report in May and this will be shared publicly. This report will then make up part of the full planning application to be submitted in summer 2021.

The planning application will include both the North Quay site and the former Weymouth Bowl site, which the council has plans to demolish to build affordable housing. Archaeological investigation on the Weymouth Bowl site is planned for autumn 2021.

For more information on the proposed developments at the North Quay and Weymouth Bowl sites, visit the Dorset Council website.