SDO12242 - Weymouth & Portland Sailing Academy, Report on Archaeological Watching Brief

An archaeological watching brief was undertaken at a site formaly used by the Minstry of Defence as the Royal Naval Air Station at Portland. The site was due for redevelopment by Weymouth & Portland Borough Council into an international sailing academy and outdoor activity centre. The watching brief was carried out during October (16th, 17th & 30th) and November (4th & 11th) 2003, during ground works for the new development. An extension of the existing hangar located at the centre of the site was demolished to make way for a new building constructed in the same location, being the future Events Centre. From a section of the excavated area was evident that this was made ground consisting slghtly silty soil mixed with demolition debris in the form of bricks, concrete from former foundations, gravel and metal waste. This composition extended over the whole site and no archaeological features were encountered. It was concluded that any archaeological remains at the location of the Events Centre would have been heavily disturbed by the construction of the former building, but as this site is on reclaimed land it is considered unlikely that there were any archaeology features present. Similarly, an examination of a manhole and drainage system were also negative. No further watching brief activity was considered necessary.