As part of the ongoing works to progress, the Rialto House project archaeologists from York Archaeological Trust are on site investigating the site’s rich history. Alongside the possibility of Roman finds, the team on site is investigating the site’s former use in the 12th century as an Abbey.

The site presents several complex layers of history to uncover, with the Mecca Bingo being built atop a former cinema, which was in turn built over a theatre. Prior to this and after the medieval period, the site was a community green space providing views of the river.