Archaeological dig begins at site earmarked for new police station

Archaeologists have begun their study of a South Cambridgeshire site ahead of building works for a new police station.

They have started digging at the Milton site this month after evidence revealed the land could previously have been occupied in the Roman, Iron and Bronze Ages.

Archaeological Research Services’ Head of Field Archaeology, Jim Brown, said the excavations were a source of great excitement for those working on the project.

He said: “We know there’s a great deal of past activity here from previous investigations in neighbouring developments. Evidence has revealed occupation stretching back through the Roman, Iron and Bronze Ages, with some rare finds coming to light.

“It’s a landscape that’s inspired many archaeological investigations to date and we’re eager to start uncovering what lies beneath the soil over the coming weeks and months.”

Strategic Estates Director, Jackie Golby, from the Constabulary, added: “Ensuring this site is thoroughly examined is an important part of the development process, making the most of the opportunity to find out more about the history and heritage of this area before we embark on a new chapter for policing in the south of Cambridgeshire.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary and Archaeological Research Services will be sharing updates from the excavation as it progresses from week to week.

Cambridgeshire Constabulary submitted an application to Greater Cambridge Shared Planning in September 2020 for the new premises, which will enhance the service for the south of Cambridgeshire by replacing the outdated facilities at Parkside Police Station with a modern police station.

The new building will be situated next to the Park & Ride facility in Milton and will include:

• Enhanced facilities enabling the Constabulary to respond to, and investigate, complex crimes such as fraud and online investigations more effectively
• Increase in cell provision from 12 to 24 to help meet future demand
• The facilities and ability to better meet demand as population growth continues
• Better road access, subject to less traffic, enabling officers to respond to calls for service more efficiently

Approval was granted in March 2021 by South Cambridgeshire District Council.

The Constabulary understands there is significant demand for there to be a police station and enquiry office in Cambridge city centre, to act as a base for the city centre policing team, and are committed to providing that. Options are still being explored and further details will be provided in due course.