The market will open spring, including a large event square, food areas and education. Aiming for 50,000 more visitors.
The council also plans new public toilets, followed by renovations of existing structures. The exhibition hall, banqueting suite, and trader hall will all be updated. The council expects 110 new jobs and foresees 50,000 more visitors each year.
The council committee voted to approve the plans, with Council leader Pip Allnatt calling them “transformational.” These plans should improve the existing market.
The Stockyard already houses businesses like a smokehouse and a brewery. The first phase includes three food “hubs” capable of housing fourteen businesses that will make and sell food.
A Nottingham Road building will get a makeover, with plans for a three-story building to be used for food production and educational activities. More food production units will follow in phase two, near the banqueting suite.
Allnatt said the project will improve food production and boost education aspects, highlighting that new public toilets are a priority based on community requests. This approval is a big step forward, and the council will update people on progress.
Adam Parker called the Stockyard project “vital,” emphasizing that it is more than just commerce. He envisions it as a hub for education and tourism, expecting it to increase Melton’s visitors and raise its profile as a food capital.
The site is located between two roads, raising concerns about traffic from one councilor. He worried that vehicles leaving gate eight on Nottingham Road could cause issues, as he believes the road is already crowded.
Another councilor disagreed, thinking the traffic impact would not be so bad. The changes are part of a project funded by “Levelling Up” money, with hopes to begin renovations in the spring. Interested businesses are being asked to contact consultants.
