A set of human remains discovered beneath the City Link construction site in central Peterborough has prompted an archaeological intervention and could delay the redevelopment by around four weeks, the local authority has said.
Discovery underlines historic layers beneath Station Quarter
Peterborough City Council confirmed that seven human skeletons, believed to date from the Medieval era, were found beneath land being prepared as part of the City Link walkway — the scheme intended to provide a direct pedestrian connection from the railway station to the city centre.
The City Link forms part of the wider £65m Station Quarter redevelopment, work on which began earlier this year. Council officers said an archaeologist appointed under licence is overseeing the remains, which are to be dealt with in line with national guidelines.
"We are looking at options to reduce this delay in later phases of the project,"
The council said the discovery may mean the City Link works are delayed by four weeks while the remains are removed. An archaeological licence had been obtained and an appointed archaeologist will ensure the skeletons are reburied according to the required standards, the authority added.
What this means for the project and the public
For residents and commuters the immediate consequence will be disruption to the programme of works around the station. The City Link is a key element designed to improve pedestrian access and the overall public realm in the Station Quarter; any delay could affect linked phases of the redevelopment and the timing of public benefits.
- Number of skeletons: 7
- Estimated delay to City Link works: up to 4 weeks (pending options to reduce delay)
- Project value: £65m (Station Quarter redevelopment)
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Remains found | Seven skeletons, believed Medieval |
| Archaeological action | Licence obtained; archaeologist appointed; reburial planned |
| Impact on works | Possible four‑week delay to City Link phase |
Medieval burial grounds are not unknown in and around Peterborough, a city with a long recorded history and a cathedral at its heart. The council has not given a precise location of the graves within the site, nor any further details about the remains themselves, pending archaeological examination.
The authority indicated it is exploring ways to reduce the knock‑on effects of the discovery on subsequent phases of the Station Quarter works. For residents keen to see the improved connections and public realm around the station, the council's comments will offer some reassurance that the matter is being handled under proper archaeological and legal protocols.
Further information from the council is expected as the archaeologist completes initial work and clarifies any additional timetable adjustments for the City Link and adjacent elements of the Station Quarter redevelopment.
