Council officials leading the multi-million pound creation of a food and culture hub for Leicestershire say they are finalising designs and costs before construction work can begin.
Melton Borough Council’s (MBC) Stockyard project will see the town’s historic cattle market regenerated into a destination space while retaining its role as one of the country’s busiest livestock markets.
Funded using £12m from the Government, the scheme will bring a banqueting suite, trading hall, educational rooms and live music infrastructure to Melton town centre.
Director of place and prosperity at MBC, Lydia Rusling, said: “We’re very conscious that it’s a site that already has an existing livestock market, which has been there for many years and is thriving.
“I want to ensure that we build on that so this development strengthens and recognises it. It’s not in competition – it’s complementary, and we’re adding more things for people to come and see and experience.
“It’s about celebrating our history of food, drink and agriculture, but also looking at how it can be fit for the future and serve as a regional hub, not just for Melton.”
The project was initially earmarked to begin in spring 2026, but the timeline was revised in late 2025.
Now, officers say they have secured a contractor in Robertsons, which is testing the final design and working toward a final cost.
Ms Rusling added: “Because the Government said we could have a little bit longer to spend the money, we tested the market and ultimately tried to get better value for the public purse.
“Now we’re really in the nitty gritty of costs and programme.”
While there is no formal date for construction to commence, Ms Rusling said the council is focussed on delivering the project in time to meet government funding requirements, including bringing businesses into the new production hubs by March 2028.
Alongside the physical redevelopment, the council has already launched a food and drink business network which brings dozens of producers, farmers and food businesses together.
