Bury Times, December 21, 2006

BURY'S industrial heritage is being slowly revealed by the redevelopment of The Rock.

Archaeology experts have been sent in to record old mill remains as work by Thornfield on the £220 million scheme gathers pace.

The first area to be excavated was the site of James Kenyon & Son's woollen mill on Derby Street. The mill was built in 1867 as an addition to Kenyon's expanding complex, which specialised in producing industrial felts for the paper-making industry. Few plans of the mill exist, and little is known about its internal layout.

The excavation has exposed extensive remains of the steam-power plant, including the engine foundations, boiler house and the chimney.

The works are being carried out by Oxford Archaeology North, who were called in after the discovery by the Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit and Under Construction Archaeology.

Experts say the finds should not stop the development as they are not of sufficient national significance to merit a preservation order. The remains are, however, being drawn, photographed and documented to be placed in Bury's archives.

Councillor John Byrne, executive member for environment and transport, said: "The Rock development, which is very much Bury's future, is uncovering some fascinating discoveries about Bury's history."

People are urged not to wander around the sites as work carries on.