Archaeology to Begin at Old Roan Pub Before Demolition

Archaeologists will search the Old Roan site for buried remains before the planned demolition and redevelopment.

Archaeology to Begin at Old Roan Pub Before Demolition

The Old Roan pub in Aintree village has been closed since 2013 and is now slated for demolition to make way for housing. A draft written scheme of investigation by Archaeological Research Service Ltd outlines how a watching brief will search for remains linked to the site’s mid-18th century public house and smithy before any work proceeds.

2M Developments Ltd bought the building in 2021 and sought planning permission in 2023 to replace it with a three-storey to four-storey apartment block. The scheme was later narrowed to three storeys and approved last October, but construction has not started as the archaeology plan unfolds and local authorities require clear conditions on historic buildings, archaeology, refuse and cycle parking.

The plan to extend memory into a new residential block shows how planning now treats history as a condition for progress. The archaeological work could delay demolition, yet it also aims to protect local heritage and provide a record of the site. For residents, the delay is a test of patience and trust in the planning process. For developers, it adds yet another step to an already lengthy project timeline. The outcome will signal how a small village balances past and future while facing housing needs.

This case also highlights the role of local governance in coordinating heritage safeguards with urban renewal. If remains are found, authorities will decide the next steps, which could shape not just the demolition timetable but the look and use of the new building. In short, memory is becoming a prerequisite for renewal in Aintree.

Highlights

The village will watch to see if memory can guide a smarter renewal