Building remnants from the 1870s ‘not uncommon’

Russell Cook (left) and Blair McPhee, of New Zealand Heritage Properties, work on cobblestones revealed in Robson Alley next to the planned Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) construction site in Dowling St, Dunedin, last week.

Heritage New Zealand Pouhere Taonga archaeologist Nikole Wills said it was not uncommon for works in Dunedin’s city centre to encounter cobblestones within the footpath and road reserve.

Last month, workers at the ACC site uncovered remnants of the Standard Insurance Company and Sargood, Son & Ewen buildings, from the 1870s.

At the time, a Ngai Tahu Properties spokeswoman said as work progressed at the site, archaeological discoveries were being recorded and managed by New Zealand Heritage Properties.

Early buildings where the new one was planned were addressed in the resource consent and archaeological authority, she said.