A largescale archaeological dig is to get underway underneath the intersection of Melbourne’s Swanston Street and LaTrobe Street, following the completion of demolition works there for the Metro Tunnel’s State Library Station.
Similar works are to take place across ten sites in Melbourne prior to further excavation work for the Metro Tunnel project, including three on Little La Trobe Street expected to start later in the year.
The government has said that the digs will not delay completion of the project, as they were factored-in during its planning stages.
At the corner of Swanston Street and Flinders Street Demolition works have cleared away a strip of fast food outlets and Port Phillip Arcade. This area will eventually be the location of the new underground Town Hall Station. Archaeological digs will start here soon.
It is possible that materials dating back to 1837 will be found at the site. At that time, a girl’s school and many small businesses, including a wine merchant and printers, were located there.
Work will begin with archaeological assessments of ground conditions to determine digging approaches and to predict what may be found below the surface.
Archaeologists and heritage experts will use excavators, shovels and hand trowels to sift through layers of rock and soil to uncover historical materials. Artefacts that are uncovered are to be cleaned and analysed and it is hoped they will contribute to deepening our understanding of Melbourne’s early history.
“We’d really like to find archaeological evidence that’s not reflected in the traditional history,” Heritage Victoria’s Jeremy Smith said.
“Often that’s things that impoverished people, people that don’t make their mark on standard histories, might leave behind.
“It might be an ethnic group, like the Chinese who came out for the gold rush.”
A limited number of community participants will reportedly eventually be able to apply to join the archaeological teams and contribute to excavation and field recording at the sites.
How can I apply to join the archaeological team?