Square renovation paused until 2026 after discoveries

An artist's impression shows how the square could be transformed

Work to upgrade a square next to the landmark crooked church spire in Chesterfield will be paused until 2026 to allow archaeologists time to investigate the site.

Chesterfield Borough Council said work to landscape Rykneld Square, near St Mary and All Saints Parish Church, was paused in July following the discovery of skeletal remains.

The council said archaeologists from the University of Leicester were expected to remain on the site until December at the earliest.

The authority said the initial phase of excavation by the university has uncovered walls which date back to at least the 17th century as well as part of a former churchyard.

Councillor Kate Sarvent said the authority would share more about the discoveries made and document the finds in records at Chesterfield Museum.

"We're excited to unearth more of our town's history and it's important that we follow the proper procedure and investigate this discovery," she said.

"It is unfortunate that this will delay the completion of Rykneld Square, but the temporary surface will help minimise disruption during key town centre events."

The council started work to modernise the area with new grassy areas, more plants and replacing existing paving in July.

It is part of the authority's £10.28m Revitalising the Heart of Chesterfield scheme to regenerate the wider town centre.

The council said a temporary surface will be installed to permit the Remembrance Day parade to pass through and support Christmas events planned at the church.

John Thomas, deputy director University of Leicester Archaeological Services, said: "We're also very excited to be working close to such an iconic landmark as the crooked spire, and the remains we are revealing relate very closely to the church and its immediate environs.

"We have found stone walls from buildings that stood close to the church from at least the 17th century, as well as part of the former churchyard that was replanned in the 1950s.

"Work is in its early stages, but ULAS will be speaking about the excavations at the Derbyshire Archaeology Day, which is held in Chesterfield in January."