An archaeological watching brief was carried out during the reduction of the ground level within the footprint of the site by 2.5m. Removal of the overburden was undertaken by a excavator under archaeological supervision. Modern made-ground was removed down to a level at which archaeological deposits were identified or down to natural subsoil deposits/ formation level depend what was reached first. Where archaeological features were identified they were excavated by hand and recorded. Most of the archaeological features uncovered during the excavation corresponded with elements of the Leeds Central Railway Station constructed in the 1840's. These included the truncated remains of some of the stone piers which supported the viaduct, 12 brick piers which corresponded with the footing for a 'Bonded Warehouse' on the 1932 OS map.
Cooper et al. (Tue,) studied this question.