Archaeological strategy and excavation management for a major urban extension
The challenge
Orion Heritage provided long-term archaeological consultancy and excavation management services for Kingsbrook, a major urban extension to the east of Aylesbury delivering more than 2,000 new homes alongside schools, community facilities, open space and significant ecological infrastructure. (kingsbrook.co.uk)
The scale of the development, combined with the archaeological sensitivity of the landscape, required a carefully coordinated mitigation strategy capable of balancing extensive archaeological investigation with the practical demands of a large and fast-moving construction programme.
Our approach
Orion Heritage worked closely with the client team, Buckinghamshire Council and archaeological contractors to develop and agree a highly targeted excavation strategy focused on areas of greatest archaeological potential. This proportionate approach helped ensure that archaeological resources were directed efficiently while maintaining momentum across the wider development programme.
Our role included managing a substantial programme of mitigation excavation works over multiple phases of development, coordinating archaeological activity alongside ongoing construction and infrastructure delivery.
The investigations uncovered evidence of extensive historic activity across the site, contributing important new understanding of the area’s archaeological landscape and development through time. Orion Heritage has continued to support the project through the post-excavation and publication stages, including preparation of the final publication report documenting the results of the investigations.
Today, much of the Kingsbrook development has been completed, with archaeology successfully integrated into the delivery of one of the region’s largest strategic housing schemes.
Key outcomes
- Archaeological strategy for a major urban extension development
- Targeted mitigation excavation programme agreed with stakeholders
- Management of large-scale phased archaeological works
- Coordination of archaeology alongside live construction programme
- Post-excavation and final publication work managed
- Archaeology successfully integrated into delivery of a major housing-led development
