Update to be provided to the Panel on the Braywick Leisure Centre.

Julian Bullen from Clarkson Alliance gave a presentation on the above titled item. The Panel were shown drone footage of the excavation of the Braywick Park grounds. The footage shown depicted the ancient burial mounds and archaeological site which included a ring ditch. It was highlighted that there had been differing colours of soil which had proved of particular interest to archaeologists working on the area and that the permeability of soil excavated was also being treated and tested. Members were shown footage which depicted large masses of top soil and it was proposed that this top soil would be used in the ongoing construction and development of the site. Members were informed that development of the site had not commenced as further work to understand the archaeology of the land was required first. It was noted that Roman and Ironage remains had been found on the site and more remains were being found which needed to be looked at and tested.

The Panel were told that there would be a segregation of waste and that further work was being done to recycle materials where possible. At present it was noted that there was a focus to raise the profile of the excavation and there were currently pre-commencement conditions in place. Members were told that all information had been sent to the Planning team  and environmental health for further consideration and that further work into contamination measures had been highlighted. The drone footage provided would be reviewed periodically and it was intended that the drone would follow the same route as recorded but at later stages in development to show advancements on the site. It was proposed that a time lapse camera had been stationed and this would provide detailed hiqh quality footage of the site and its development from the onset to completion. It was highlighted that graphics of the site would be loaded onto the grey boards surrounding the development and that these would change periodically to show the story behind the excavation and development of the leisure facilities. There was work and pending results to be returned from the specialist contractor, SANCTUS who had been working on the substantial testing and identification of samples. Members were told that a risk assessment was being carried out in respect of the remedial plan. The Panel were advised that how to deal with the contamination was at the options stage and there were 6 options available with the most likely outcome being an amalgamation of a number of the options for the best output and delivery. It was expected that costings and final proposals would be available by the end of the month (August) and that work around regulatory compliance was being carried out.

At the conclusion of the update, Members discussed whether there would be any further delays to the development. It was confirmed that there had been set backs due to the discovery of the archeological items of interest and  that this would delay the project, however the ambition for completion was estimated at May 2020 plus or minus one month. It was highlighted that Maidenhead Heritage Centre had not been informed of the developments and remains found but that there was further work to be done regarding the storytelling, interpretation and history of remains found. Members were keen for members of the public to have high quality footage of the site and it was confirmed that this could be taken from the drone footage. Members welcomed the boards lining Braywick road and felt that the introduction of images of the site could be a great way to involve residents with the interpretation of the archaeology found one available. It was noted that Members were pleased with the progress of the site despite delays and were supportive of the interpretations of remains and the way in which Maidenhead’s historical story could be progressed.