Ceiling at CPO building
Heritage and archaeology
The project is committed to preserving and protecting culture, heritage and local character while we build the CRL. This includes the protection of historic buildings as well as respecting and recording archaeological discoveries.
Archaeological discoveries at Britomart Station and Lower Queen Street As Contract 1 nears completion, we reflect on the artefacts and relics that have been unearthed within the site's relatively small construction footprint. The site which includes Britomart Station and Lower Queen Street is on land reclaimed during the mid1800s, with household rubbish and building debris added along with fill during the reclamation process. This has meant that tunnel excavation has been a unique opportunity for contractor DSBJV to discover remnants from the city's history.
Because the old wharf's timber was in surprisingly good condition it will become part of the final designs for the renovated Britomart Station. Some will be transformed into bench seating, while other piles will remain as they are and form part of an archaeological display in the station. The tapered points of the piles, which had been chiselled with an axe, will be visible - demonstrating the craftsmanship of the time.
A number of beautiful glass and clay bottles have been recovered. These, together with other salvaged items, will be displayed at the renovated Britomart Station. It hasn't only been household items discovered - the DSBJV team also uncovered the remains of the very first Queen Street Wharf built in the 1800s. Wharf piles, wharf fenders and basalt blocks from the original wharf breastwork were found together with timber and basalt blocks.
Glass bottles recovered during excavation within reclaimed land at the Contract 1 site. 34
City Rail Link Limited | Health, Safety, Environment & Sustainability Report 2020
