Select Projects
Salvage Project
Bellarine Peninsula
2023 - 2024
In 2023, ArchLink was commissioned to undertake an archaeological salvage program as part of management conditions required by the CHMP.
The aims of an archaeological salvage program is to record in detail archaeological deposits, artefacts and any in situ features that might be present. To collect, analyse and catalogue cultural materials before they are repatriated and to prepare a comprehensive report on the salvage programs that will be submitted to the RAP (WTOAC) and First Peoples – State Relations (FP-SR).
The goal of the salvage report is to present the contextual information and analysis of the material obtained through this recovery to contribute to our knowledge about Aboriginal cultural heritage and our understanding of the past.
The salvage began in April 2023 and continued through 2024.
The largest archaeological dig in Victoria's history commenced in 2018 at two locations in the heart of the CBD, known as the Town Hall Station (South) and the State Library Station (North). The Metro Tunnel Project excavations uncovered archaeological remains and thousands of artefacts from the city’s rich history. Some artefacts date back more than 180 years to the early days of European settlement in Melbourne.
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ArchLink was engaged in 2020 along with Matrix Archaeological Services to undertake the cataloguing, analysis and reporting of the artefact assemblage recovered from Metro Tunnel Project CBD North (known as State Library Station).
For this large-scale artefact analysis project ArchLink engaged additional artefact specialists; Natalie Paynter, Zvonka Stanin, Felicity Buckingham and Anthony Bagshaw.
Metro Tunnel Project CBD North (known as State Library Station)
Melbourne CBD
2020 - 2023
CHMP Excavation
Sunbury
2024 - 2025
ArchLink was engaged to conduct a Cultural Heritage Management Plan (CHMP) to manage and protect any Aboriginal cultural heritage that may be discovered during development. The project area, situated near the Sunbury Rings, was surveyed for cultural heritage in late 2024, with both standard and complex testing carried out. This testing uncovered a single fine silcrete artefact, which was subsequently registered with VAHR as a low-density artefact deposit. Despite the small number of artefacts, the site's intangible cultural heritage holds significant value. Any additional insights gained from this location, close to the Sunbury Rings, are crucial in enriching the history of the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung people. Upon completion of the works, the artefact will be repatriated to the Traditional Owners, the Wurundjeri Woi-Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation (WWCHAC), for reburial in line with their Repatriation Policy.
Downie Street, Melbourne runs parallel with Spencer St, between Flinders Lane and Flinders Street. The activity area of 9-27 Downie Street was first purchased in 1840. In May 1842, the site was sold to Robert Langlands and Thomas Fulton for £1000 who established an iron foundry. The business was the first foundry and iron shipbuilder in Melbourne and it manufactured a wide range of marine, civil engineering, mining and railway components. Wooden buildings associated with the first foundry in Victoria, “Langlands Foundry”, were constructed within or nearby the subject area as early as 1842, only 7 years after Melbourne was officially settled.
Langlands Iron Foundry & West End Brewery Stables
Downie Street, Melbourne CBD 2018-2019
The foundry expanded across the site with more substantial brick buildings and a blast furnace added. The foundry remained there till the 1880s. Brick shops were built on Flinders Lane occupying the northernmost part of the subject area which were later occupied by the Oriental Tea Co depot. The site appears to have been continuously occupied for commercial purposes since 1842. Businesses have included; the Langlands Iron foundry, The Oriental Tea Co. The West End Stables and several storage and cartage companies.​
A large scale historical excavation was undertaken by ArchLink over 12 weeks from November 2018 through to end of January 2019. A further three weeks of monitoring was conducted after the excavation was completed in February, 2019. The historic excavations revealed extant structures including original bluestone wall footings, underground flu systems and drains made with handmade bricks, timber and iron sheets, furnace pits and stable walls. Over 15,000 artefacts were uncovered including glass and ceramic bottles and myriad metal objects relating to foundry work such as crucibles, files and nails dating from the 1850s onwards. In addition, a large abundance of bone, including animal burials and smaller items such as buttons, coins and clay pipes were recovered.