Skeletal remains and ancient walls bring halt to regeneration works

WORK TO TRANSFORM SQUARE WAS ORIGINALLY DUE TO BE COMPLETED LAST MONTH

- By SOPHIE FAGONE BUSCIMESE

THE regeneration of a town centre square has been halted after historical artefacts were discovered below the ground.

Work to transform Rykneld Square in Chesterfield, near the Crooked Spire landmark, has been put on pause until the beginning of 2026 to allow for archaeological work to take place.

In July, skeletal remains were first discovered, and after archaeologists from the University of Leicester Archaeological Services (ULAS) began excavation work, walls and other historical artefacts were discovered.

Archaeological work is a key part of the planning process and is legally required when burials are unexpectedly discovered.