Sustainable hospitality developer Lamington Group has discovered evidence of a Roman road and buildings from the Roman and Anglo-Saxon/ Anglo-Scandinavian periods on the site of room2 York, set to open in 2027.

The discoveries were made following in-depth archaeological investigations alongside the main contractor, Clegg Construction, and On-Site Archaeology.

Artefacts, including pottery, building materials, metal objects, such as coins, and animal bones, were among the considerable number of fascinating finds.

The discoveries have been excavated safely and are currently under further analysis. Once complete, the artefacts will be displayed at the Yorkshire Museum. Following this discovery and excavation, room2 enters the next phase of the project, a transition from early ground work to vertical construction.

Michael Sims, Managing Director of Clegg Construction said:

"Discovering such significant Roman and early medieval remains in the heart of York is a reminder of the city’s remarkable history."

As the main contractor, we are proud to have facilitated the safe and efficient excavations. Collaboration between our site team and the archaeologists was key to achieving this balance, and we are pleased that the discoveries will contribute to a deeper understanding of York’s past for generations to come.”

Robert Godwin, from Lamington Group, said:

“Uncovering traces of York’s Roman and Anglo-Saxon / Anglo-Scandinavian past has strengthened our connection to the city and its layered history. We want room2 York to reflect that heritage and be a space where guests can experience the city’s story through design that’s both rooted in place, while also reflecting our commitments to sustainability and circularity.”

Located inside the city’s historic castle walls, room2 York will offer 116 guest rooms with kitchens, meeting space, a laundry room and a gym.

The property will be designed with a modern take on the city's medieval history, while also reflecting room2’s circular design philosophy through the in-house Circular Design Studio’s products, which are made from room2 coffee, plastic, and cardboard waste. York will also feature a Winnie’s Café and Bar, serving great food that’s fresh, thoughtful, and rooted in sustainability.

The net zero property will be fully electric, targeting BREEAM Excellent certification and aligned with the UK Net Zero Carbon Buildings Standard for operational and embodied carbon.

The development is the latest in a number of projects undertaken in York by Clegg Construction, which is a Midlands and Yorkshire-based construction firm with its headquarters in Nottingham.

Last year the company completed a new Premier Inn hotel in York, on behalf of CBRE Investment Management.