A piece of local history surfaces under roadworks

A bluestone driveway dating back to the 19th century was uncovered by contractors working in Great King St, Dunedin, this week.

The remains of the driveway went back to the mid-to-late-1800s, a Dunedin City Council spokesman said.

It would have once provided access from the street to a parcel of private land for horse-drawn carts, buggies and carriages.

The property it connected to was once the home of a sprawling foundry and other commercial premises, including a stable, tailor, grocer and butcher, the spokesman said.

The driveway had been covered over yesterday, as work in the street continued. Signs would be added to mark the location and what was found there.