University of Salford win £1.5 million bid to be the region's Archaeological Advisory Service

The contract, worth over £1.5 million,  will see GMAAS deliver an archaeological advisory service to the ten planning authorities of Greater Manchester.

GMAAS has established itself as a champion to the historic environment’s contribution to economic development and regeneration as well as providing learning, leisure, tourism and local distinctiveness to the area.

In 2019, it was estimated that commercial Archaeology makes an annual contribution of £218m to the economy. The work of local government archaeologists provides an estimated £1.3bn in savings to the construction industry through reduced costs every year.

Norman Redhead, Heritage Management Director at the University said: “We have been providing a pivotal role in local archaeological knowledge since 2012 and look forward to continuing our work in this area.  For every £1 the local authority spend on archaeology projects, I am proud to say that an equivalent of £15 is returned in terms of sustainable development.

“Our work range is vast and includes advising on and protecting archaeological interests in the planning system and maintaining the Historic Environment Record database of all known sites of archaeological and historic interest in Greater Manchester. We promote research and community engagement in addition to advising on the presentation and protection of heritage assets.”

Despite the challenges presented by Covid-19, GMAAS has continued to deliver a planning advisory service helping the construction industry and the economy function through the pandemic.

Over the years GMAAS have been involved in some extraordinary archaeological projects with some of the largest and most interesting being published as popular booklets in a series created by the organisation ‘Greater Manchester's Past Revealed’. Find out more on their blog.

The most recent publication focuses on recent archaeological excavations undertaken by Salford Archaeology as part of the regeneration of Salford’s historic Chapel Street area. Amongst other things, these have provided a fascinating insight into the dwellings of the working class in late 18th and 19th century Salford.