Site Event/Activity record ESF21780 - Felixstowe South Docks Reconfiguration

Building recording prior to demolition of buildings with historic interest, North and South Dock Basin monolith walls, WWI hangar (Shed 22) for the erection of seaplanes, RNAS/RAF watchtower, crew accommodation building and latrine, Marriages & Son Flour Mill, Grain Silo and offices, Ferry Centre offices, Ro-Ro pontoon and crane quay. In order to mitigate against the impact of the redevelopment proposals, was agreed that a programme of archaeological recording of the buildings and structures affected would be carried out in advance of any redevelopment works. The principal objectives of the study were twofold. The first objective was to carry out further research in order to fully understand the origins, construction, and strategic role of the former RNAS and RAF structures on the site, particularly those in use during WWI. This project also incorporates analysis of the role and development of the commercial buildings and structures adjacent to and south of the old Dock Basin prior to the large-scale expansion of the port in the late 1960s. The second objective was to provide a long-term record of all the buildings and structures to be demolished. This record will be deposited in a publicly accessible archive, and provide a sufficient level of detail to facilitate future research.