The RIIA Roundup – April 2025
It’s been an exciting 2025 so far, with big strides forward for several of the projects in the RIIA programme.
Keep reading to find out more about how things are progressing for Local Link, Stockyard and Rutland County Museum.
DRT phase one
In addition to the approval of improvements to the former Jules House building, the first Demand Response Transport (DRT) services successfully commenced operations on March 31 in Zone 1 (see map above).
Marking phase one of the new network, the current R2 route will be replaced with DRT, meaning you can access the service at a time most convenient to you.
Operating between 7am-7pm on weekdays and 8am-6pm on Saturdays, the service will provide fixed journeys at peak times and DRT during off-peak periods.
Find more information about DRT and other services by visiting the new Rutland buses website here.
Duo of planning permissions granted to RIIA projects
In a significant step forward for the RIIA programme, two key projects have been granted planning approval to progress to the construction stage.
Rutland County Council has been permitted to create a central hub for new transport services between Oakham, Melton Mowbray, and surrounding areas.
As part of the wider transport scheme, the Jules House building will gain an expanded rear extension, full interior refurbishment and new landscaping. The renovation will provide vital community space – to be used by local groups once open – as well as office availability.
Melton Borough Council’s flagship project, Stockyard, has also been granted approval to progress with plans to enhance the town’s offering as a food destination.
The approved plans include the creation of a brand new Anchor Building, the addition of new food production units and the development of a multifunctional events space – putting Melton Mowbray on the map as the Rural Capital of Food.
Keep your eyes peeled for more updates as the projects progress and construction starts in the coming months.
Help shape the future of Rutland County Museum!
Rutland County Council is moving forward with plans to enhance local heritage services, transforming Rutland County Museum into a state-of-the-art cultural and civic centre.
A key component of this could involve taking ownership of the skeleton of the Rutland Ichthyosaur – or Sea Dragon – from Anglian Water. This would form part of an exciting digital visitor experience that also brings the county’s Roman Mosaic to life.
Although predominantly facilitated by UK Government Funding via the RIIA programme, RCC will also be seeking additional National Lottery Heritage Funding for this project. As part of this process, they are seeking views from residents, visitors and key stakeholders to shape the future of Rutland County Museum – please take a few minutes to fill in the survey here.
