Following the announcement last year of our largest modular student development to date, we are pleased to share an update from the site on Southampton High Street, where now completed works have uncovered a fascinating chapter of the city’s history.
From the outset, we were aware that the site’s prominent location in the historic town centre might reveal archaeological remains. In collaboration with our heritage and archaeology specialists, we carried out extensive historical research, comparing old maps and findings from neighbouring excavations. Early trial holes confirmed our expectations, revealing both Victorian and medieval remains, predominantly across the western half of the site.
Recognising the significance of these discoveries, we made the decision to invest in a full archaeological excavation. This has allowed us to record the site’s complex layers and uncover valuable insights into its past, working closely with the local council and our specialist partners.
During the excavation the team identified Victorian basements and drainage systems linked to the market use of the area, as well as medieval foundations and garden pits from former High Street properties. Among the finds, one standout artefact, a fragment of 16th century Spanish lustreware, which offers a tangible connection to the town’s rich maritime heritage and historic trade routes.
Another remarkable discovery is a carved face from the outside of a Caen stone vessel or holy water stoup, dating from the 11th or 12th century. Believed to have originated from a high-status building or church, the piece was later re-used as part of a wall. Our archaeology specialists have suggested it could serve as an inspiring graphic or symbol for the development, providing a meaningful link to the site’s medieval past.
The archaeological recording is now complete, with all findings to be published in accordance with the council’s requirements for future research. This phase marked another step forward in delivering a development that not only provides high-quality student accommodation but also preserves and celebrates the story of the site and its place in local history.
Once complete, 119 High Street, Southampton, will deliver 257 modern studio apartments with high-quality communal facilities including a gym, study spaces and a landscaped courtyard, creating a vibrant and sustainable student community in the heart of the city.