Rutland County Council has announced its plans to develop an exciting new transport initiative in the centre of Oakham to improve the mobility of more than 100,000 people across Rutland and Melton.

The project is being delivered collaboratively with Melton Borough Council under its combined £22.95m Levelling Up Funding, and will see both fixed line and demand-responsive transport lines introduced with the local routes serviced by electric minibuses in line with the county's ambitious sustainability goals.   

Vital transport services for the area will be extended and improved in Oakham, thanks to exciting plans announced by Rutland County Council. 

The council has revealed proposals to utilise a central site for its new transport initiative. The ambitious proposal forms part of a wider scheme being delivered collaboratively with Melton Borough Council under its combined £22.95m Levelling Up Funding (LUF).  

The scheme will be based at the former Jules House area leading to the Oakham Memorial Hospital. A new network of bus routes will be introduced, supported by both fixed line and demand-responsive transport with local journeys serviced by a fleet of three electric minibuses. This will increase the mobility of than 100,000 people across Rutland and Melton, bringing together the two rural market towns into one economic system. 

Penny Sharp, strategic director of places at Rutland County Council, said: "As part of our ambitions for the secured funding, we were eager to utilise our existing building stock and land but reimagine it into spaces benefitting the community. The site at Cold Overton Road presented a fantastic opportunity to cement a lasting impact and legacy and provide essential services to local residents."   

"The new facilities will enhance the existing public transport services providing connectivity to the train station, Oakham town and to services in other parts of the county." 

The work includes reconfiguring the current land to accommodate suitable parking and turning for the minibuses. An accessible path will also be developed to connect the hospital area to the town through the former Jules House site. The Jules House plot comprises of a semi-detached house and surrounding land. It will benefit from an improved extension to the rear, full interior refurbishment and creative landscaping. 

Jules House was gifted to the council and the redevelopment of the building will ensure its availability as a community space. The first floor will be lettable office space to support the economic viability of the scheme.  

Penny added: "Overall, the LUF scheme will harness the potential of Rutland and Melton, and the development of this initiative responds to the need for increased transport routes, better mobility between the towns and brings essential community spaces back into use." 

Ahead of submitting a planning application for the scheme, Rutland County Council have circulated an update to nearby residents about the exciting plans. To find out more, click here.

Rural Innovation in Action is the joint ambition of Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council to deliver £22.95m of Levelling Up Funding granted in 2022. The scheme will bring together the two rural market towns into one economic system and will focus on the themes of food, digitalisation, health, mobility and tourism innovation.