Rutland County Council has appointed Stepnell to deliver a significant new transport and community project in Oakham.

Known as 'Local Link', the initiative involves the comprehensive redevelopment of the Jules House site to create a brand-new community space and a central hub for the council's rural transport services.

The project is part of the wider 'Rural Innovation in Action' scheme, a collaborative effort between Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council. The programme is supported by £22.95 million in UK Government Funding. Construction is scheduled to begin at the end of this month, with completion expected by the end of Summer 2026.

Stepnell will be responsible for both the interior and exterior transformation of the site. Once finished, the facility will house community group access, lettable office spaces, and health and wellbeing support services, all integrated with affordable public transport routes. The first phase of the Local Link initiative, which introduced new fixed-route and demand-responsive services, has been operating since March 2025.

The project was procured through the Procure Partnerships Framework. As part of the delivery, Stepnell has committed to supporting the local economy, aiming for a 95% local supply chain spend. As of the end of January, the contractor reported an 82.79% spend within a 30-mile radius.

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Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, Environment and Communities at Rutland County Council, said: "The first phase of Local Link, including the introduction of some new demand responsive and fixed-route public transport services, launched in March 2025 with a lot of success and high user numbers. Expanding on this success, Stepnell will be key to helping us achieve our ambitions for new community and transport hub in the heart of Oakham – one that locates expert health, wellbeing and community support along a direct route for affordable and accessible public transport.

"Improving the travel opportunities for locals and visitors in rural areas is key to future-proofing our regional economy and growing it, as well as maintaining the health and wellbeing of our residents, wherever they may live. This latest appointment will see exciting works take place to harness the potential in Rutland, Melton and the surrounding areas."

Tom Sewell, director at Stepnell, said: "With an extensive track record of delivering town centre schemes through public sector frameworks for local authorities across the East Midlands, we are strongly positioned to support the development of this integral hub that will enhance community and connection across Rutland. As we prepare to start the project in this key area for Stepnell, we'll be working closely with local businesses to maximise the value delivered. Based on the end of January, we are currently achieving a 82.79% local spend within 30 miles in addition to delivering a comprehensive programme of careers support and community initiatives, while also ensuring minimal local disruption for residents, businesses and visitors alike."

Tom Woolley, key account manager (East of England) at Procure Partnerships Framework, said: "We were delighted to support Rutland County Council in procuring Stepnell to deliver Local Link. At its core, the project will improve opportunities for local people and drive economic growth, not only through the nature of the project itself, but through Stepnell's target of 95% local supply chain spend. This project is an excellent example of how strategic procurement can deliver both high-quality construction outcomes and meaningful, local impact."