Greater Manchester Archaeology

[Jack]

Dunno if this is new news or old news but I recently heard this..........

New archaeological service for Greater Manchester

Salford University’s Centre for Applied Archaeology has been named as the new provider of archaeological advice to planning departments in Greater Manchester.

The Association of Greater Manchester Authorities (AGMA) announced the new service which will start on Monday 23 April for an interim period of up to nine months.

Called the Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service, it will provide planners and developers with specialist advice on any archaeological planning issue within Greater Manchester and manage the region’s Historic Environmental Record.

Establishment of the new service follows the closure of the highly regarded previous provider, Manchester University’s Greater Manchester Archaeological Unit, last month.

The new arrangements are on an interim basis to allow AGMA to undertake a full procurement exercise to commission a longer term, value for money solution.

Chris Findley, who takes a lead on planning issues for AGMA, said: “We are extremely pleased to have agreed this new service with the Centre for Applied Archaeology. They will ensure that local councils continue to receive high quality advice when determining planning applications.

“We are also beginning the process of commissioning a long term service provider reflecting our commitment to this important work.”

Dr Mike Nevell, Head of Archaeology at Salford University, said: “Greater Manchester has a rich and valuable archaeological resource. We look forward to providing this new service to AGMA and helping to ensure that local archaeology is conserved and enhanced so it can continue to play a role in the regeneration of the area.”

AGMA also continues to support community archaeology through the popular DIG Greater Manchester. Delivered in partnership with Salford University, this project runs until 2015/16 and provides support for community projects, an education programme and advice to local groups interested in archaeology and history.
Notes

The full contact details for the new service are:

Greater Manchester Archaeological Advisory Service
University of Salford
Joule House
Crescent M5 4NW
Tel: 0161 295 5522
Email: gmaas@salford.ac.uk

Anyone wishing to find out more about DIG Greater Manchester should contact Adam Allen at Tameside MBC on 0161 342 3304.

AGMA acts as the voice of the ten local authorities of Greater Manchester and works in partnership with a wide range of organisations including private, public and voluntary within the city-region and beyond.

AGMA chief executives and council leaders meet regularly to work together on a range of key strategic and policy issues which impact on Greater Manchester. AGMA also provide a range of joint services across the conurbation via AGMA Units and through cross-authority professional groups. For more information visit http://www.agma.gov.uk

[Wax]

it says something for AGMA that despite the current climate they have committed to a continuing archaeology service and an extensive programme of community archaeology. However things are not yet secure note the " interim period " and " procurement excercise to commission a longer term value for money solution". Wonder what that means:face-huh:

The service isn't safe yet

[kevin wooldridge]

Absolutely right...the service is not safe. I note for example that they are not even committing funding until the end of the current financial year, only it seems until January 23rd. Hopefully the impending deadline will concentrate minds towards a longer term solution...

[Wax]

Absolutely right...the service is not safe. I note for example that they are not even committing funding until the end of the current financial year, only it seems until January 23rd. Hopefully the impending deadline will concentrate minds towards a longer term solution...

There have been impending deadlines for well over three years. The sterling work of the County Archaeologist and his team along with amazingly archaeologically switched on local councilors has showcased the value of an Archaeology Service comitted to community involvement. This along with sound advise to planning authorities and a University willing to host the service (Not the University of Manchester who cut GMAU loose !!!!!) has saved things for the time being.

But it is only a temporary repreive

[RedEarth]

Interested to see this morning that Salford City Council's Archaeological Planning Services are being put out to tender: https://www.the-chest.org.uk/procontract...WCE-8SKJDX

[Unitof1]

http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:...XT:EN:HTML

Is this a first that an HER and advisors have been put out to tender?

First bit I dont understand is
I.4)Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities
The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities: no

It seems to me that there are ten other authorities who presumably are charged for this service by salford city council. What were they charged in the past? Presumably what ever they were charged was not enough even though I dont need an HER to do archaeology.

[P Prentice]

http://ted.europa.eu/udl?uri=TED:NOTICE:...XT:EN:HTML

Is this a first that an HER and advisors have been put out to tender?

First bit I dont understand is
I.4)Contract award on behalf of other contracting authorities
The contracting authority is purchasing on behalf of other contracting authorities: no

It seems to me that there are ten other authorities who presumably are charged for this service by salford city council. What were they charged in the past? Presumably what ever they were charged was not enough even though I dont need an HER to do archaeology.

berkshire in the 90s - won by babtie ish

probably wont matter if it costs more as long as shareholders get a dividend - its the new black

[Unitof1]

and since 2004 they are "Berkshire Archaeology"

"Berkshire Archaeology was established in 2004, as part of Reading Borough Council's Museum service. We offer a range of archaeological services across the five authorities. Please choose from the menu on the left for more information on:

• Historic Environment Record
  
• Planning and development control
  
• Site conservation and management
  
• Public archaeology "
  

which makes it look like an HER is something that should be what a museum is (except this is run by a council). I wonder what Burkshire Archaeology charge for for their services? Does manchester not have any museums?