Council leader updates on Stockyard project as delay confirmed

Construction of the much anticipated Stockyard Development on Scalford Road will not start until at least Summer 2026, it has been confirmed.

The Leader of Melton Borough Council has confirmed construction of Melton's Stockyard project will begin in July 2026, almost a year later than planned.

Site hoarding and fencing was originally erected on the site back in March 2025 for work to begin this Spring but has since been removed due to the delay in the project starting.

NEMM this week contacted Melton Borough Council for an update on the project prompting a statement from leader Pip Allnatt.

Cllr Alnatt said: "“We’re pleased to confirm that the Stockyard project continues to move forward, with the planning phase now complete and the focus shifting to preconstruction and operator engagement. Construction is scheduled to begin in July 2026, following two of Melton’s flagship events in May- The Artisan Cheese Fair and the NBA Beef EXPO- both of which showcase the town’s proud agricultural and food heritage and reinforce its identity as the Rural Capital of Food.

A thorough review of the programme has been undertaken to ensure the development remains relevant to the evolving needs of Melton. This includes responding to a heightened demand for cultural and educational spaces, to allow the site to better serve our community and enhance the site’s long-term value. Crucially, food production will remain at the heart of the site, reinforcing Melton’s reputation and ensuring the space continues to champion our local producers and food heritage.

We have commissioned Hospitality and Marketing Specialist Tim Foster, whose expertise is helping us engage with potential operators and businesses. His involvement is already strengthening our commercial offer and ensuring the site delivers lasting economic benefits for Melton and the wider region.

Further details of the development offer will be presented to Cabinet in December, and we expect to share more information with stakeholders shortly after that. In the meantime, the fencing was removed as part of our commitment to supporting existing site users, growing footfall and ensuring the benefits of the redevelopment and funding are felt as early as possible.”

A visual of how the final project is set to look. Photo: Greig & Stephenson Architects

The project was granted planning permission by the authority back in February of this year and is estimated to attract an extra 50,000 visitors to the town once it's built.

It is part of a wider project with Rutland County Council under the Rural Innovation in Action scheme, which received combined UK Government Funding of £22.95m.

When asked about the reason for such a big delay on the project Director for Place and Prosperity, Lydia Rusling from Melton Borough Council confirmed that: “The Stockyard project is now in its pre-construction phase. The revised timeline allows us to better support existing businesses and events—particularly the NBA Beef Expo, which is a major achievement for the town and a key part of our food and farming identity.

We have adjusted our programme to accommodate design updates, and pre-commencement planning conditions which will be presented to Cabinet in December. This includes responding to a heightened demand for cultural and educational spaces, to allow the site to better serve our community and enhance the site’s long-term value.”

Three of the new buildings in the scheme are open plan hubs where businesses can produce food and sell it fresh to visitors.