Human remains found under former shopping centre

News imageDavid Freezer/BBC Two people are standing with their backs in front of the camera while a picture is being taken. They are both wearing black coats. They are standing in front of Anglia Square in Norwich which is currently in the process of being demolished. David Freezer/BBC
Work to knock down Anglia Square began seven months ago

Human remains thought to date back centuries have been found during demolition work on a former shopping centre.

Anglia Square in Norwich is being torn down as part of plans to build 1,100 new homes, mostly flats, along with units for retail and leisure.

The city council, which is in charge of the project, said "a small number of remains associated with part of a medieval churchyard" had been unearthed.

A spokesman added the remains would be handled with the "utmost care and respect" but would not slow down work at the site.

News imageOwen Sennitt/BBC A grey Brutalist office block from the late 1960s can be seen with hoardings surrounding it on a grey day Owen Sennitt/BBC
Sovereign House still needs to be demolished

Work to demolish Anglia Square and surrounding buildings, including former government office Sovereign House, began in February.

Despite hurdles including asbestos being found in one building, the authority has insisted the project remains "on track" – although it has never provided a definitive target date for completion.

A council spokesman said remains were found on site with archaeology experts "carrying out careful investigations alongside the demolition work".

"We recognise these were once members of our community and it is important they are handled with dignity throughout this process," he added.

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