Controversial Stockyard transformation to get underway this October
Construction work on the new Stockyard project will begin in October, it has been announced.
Work was originally scheduled to start in 2025 but was delayed with events on site being blamed for the delay including the NBA Beef Expo which was described as a major achievement for the town. The last update said work would begin in July 2026.
Today (Friday) it's been confirmed that Robertson Construction – Yorkshire and East Midlands has been appointed by Melton Borough Council (MBC) to deliver the works, with the initial phase focusing on improvements to the Trader Hall and associated facilities.
Melton Borough Council say they have worked closely with market operator Gillstream Markets Ltd (GML) and contractors Robertson to develop arrangements that allow trading and events to continue throughout the construction programme. Together, the partners have focused on minimising disruption and ensuring that businesses can continue operating while improvement works are delivered.
Markets will remain on site, with traders temporarily relocating to the Exhibition Hall and Banqueting Suite while works take place. Visitors can continue to to shop, attend events and support local businesses during the transformation.
The majority of events and activities will also continue to take place using similar arrangements where possible, helping to maintain Stockyard's role as a destination for markets, food, drink and community activity throughout the works.
The main exception is the Sunday Car Boot and market, which was discontinued recently as it could not be accommodated within the revised site arrangements. Melton Borough Council say the public are encouraged to continue visiting Stockyard throughout the works.
In a statement they said: "Regular market days will continue, events will still take place, and the site will remain a hub for local food, drink and community activity. Whether you're a regular visitor or planning your first trip, Stockyard remains open and ready to welcome you."
The first phase of construction will include improvements to the Trader Hall providing upgraded infrastructure for traders, visitors and event organisers. Delivered by Robertson Construction – Yorkshire and East Midlands, these works represent the first visible stage of the wider Stockyard transformation programme, with construction activity expected to continue on site through to March 2028.
The phased approach has been developed collaboratively by MBC, GML and Robertson to minimise disruption wherever possible. The partnership has been working closely with traders and event organisers to plan temporary arrangements that maintain activity on site while the long-term improvements are delivered. By delivering improvements to the Trader Hall at an early stage, traders will benefit from an enhanced trading environment while the wider redevelopment progresses across the site.
Cllr Ronan Browne, Leader of Melton Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Growth, Communities and Place, said: "The start of construction marks an important milestone for Stockyard and a major step forward in delivering our vision for the site. While people will soon start to see works taking place on the ground, one of our key priorities has been ensuring that traders, markets and events can continue to operate throughout the redevelopment programme.
The temporary arrangements that have been put in place will allow Stockyard to remain open for business while these improvements are delivered.
Working alongside Robertson Group and Gillstream Markets Ltd, we are taking a phased approach that supports the businesses already based here while creating a more modern and sustainable future for the site. The improvements to the Trader Hall are the first visible stage of a wider transformation that will celebrate our livestock market heritage, support local businesses and strengthen Melton Mowbray's reputation as the Rural Capital of Food."
Hugh Brown, CEO of Gillstream Markets Ltd, added: "We are delighted that the Stockyard development project is now moving from plans to reality and that our existing traders will be the first to benefit. We thank our traders and customers for their patience and in advance for working with us and the project team to keep the market open during the works.”
Stockyard Melton Mowbray™ forms part of a joint programme of works being delivered by Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council, using £22.95m of UK Government Levelling Up Funding awarded in 2022.
The programme is designed to put innovation into action across the two rural areas, strengthening the local economy and improving connectivity between Melton Mowbray and Oakham. It focuses on food, digital, health, mobility and tourism innovation, delivered through four linked projects across the two towns.
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