'Fascinating finds' pause revamp of former M&S store

The council hopes the redevelopment of the building will bring more visitors to Newark town centre

Work to revamp a former Marks and Spencer shop in Nottinghamshire will be paused after "fascinating" archaeological finds were discovered on the site.

A horse skeleton and pieces said to be from the medieval period have been unearthed at 32 Stodman Street in Newark.

The excavation aimed to look at the history underneath the site before any building work commenced, Newark and Sherwood District Council said.

Work had been under way to convert the building into 29 homes, as well as new retail units.

The horse skeleton is almost fully intact, the council said

The council said a specialist team from Contour Archaeology Ltd was carrying out the excavation while also developing an understanding of the historical events that occurred on the site.

Paul Peacock, leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said the discoveries marked a "historic moment" for the town.

"It's exciting to see what unearthed discoveries might be found right in the heart of the town," he added.

"Newark is rich in history so it's important we use this time to find out more about the town and to see what we can find."

The redevelopment of the building is expected to be completed in 2026

Mr Peacock said work on the project would pause to allow the grounds to be fully explored and for advice to be sought from archaeologists.

Louise Casey-Simpson, chairwoman of the Newark Towns Fund, said: "It's always fascinating to see what digs like this can tell us about our history and it's important we undertake this process so we don't miss the opportunity to see what certain discoveries can tell us about Newark.

"We're excited about the 32 Stodman Street project and everyone wants a town centre that is thriving where living, working, shopping, leisure and enjoyment can all merge together."

She said the project - a partnership between the council and Newark Town Board - was an opportunity to transform a large building into something that would be "hugely beneficial to the health of our high street".

The shop was one of a number of branches across the UK that closed in 2019.

The dismantling of the former building has now been completed, the council said.

The project is expected to be completed in 2026.

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