Oakham’s New ‘Mobi-Hub’ Work Begins to Transform Jules House (Pinewood) Oakham into Electric Transport Base, with tree clearance.

Oakham’s New ‘Mobi-Hub’ Work Begins to Transform Jules House (Pinewood) Oakham into Electric Transport Base, with tree clearance.

By Rutland Democracy Reporter Monday, 16 February 2026

The sound of chainsaws on Friday and the sight of tree clearance crews marked the official start of work at Jules House this morning, as the former community centre begins its £4.5 million transformation into a state-of-the-art electric minibus transport hub.

Located on Cold Overton Road, the site is the centrepiece of Rutland’s ambitious "Local Link" project. Once complete, the building will serve as a "mobi-hub," connecting Oakham and Melton Mowbray via a fleet of new electric vehicles.

The refurbishment of Jules House is funded through the Rural Innovation in Action scheme a joint £23 million Levelling Up initiative between Rutland County Council and Melton Borough Council.

Construction specialists Stepnell have now taken over the site to deliver, A complete interior and exterior revamp, including a new two-storey stone extension at the rear. Parking bays and turning points specifically designed for the council’s growing fleet of electric minibuses. A ground-floor community space and café, with the first floor converted into high-quality office space for rent. A new pedestrian link through the site, providing a direct, accessible path between the town centre and the hospital.

The hub will act as the operational heart of Local Link, the council's new rural transport service. Speaking as work got underway, Councillor Christine Wise, Cabinet Member for Transport, noted the early success of the initiative.

"The first phase of Local Link launched in March 2025 with high user numbers," Coun Wise said. "Stepnell will be key to helping us achieve a hub that locates expert health, wellbeing, and community support along a direct route for affordable public transport."

While the project promises to "future-proof" the regional economy, it has not been without controversy. During the planning stages, serious concerns regarding traffic safety, given the site's proximity to the busy level crossing and the hospital junction.

In response, the council amended the plans to include a new pedestrian crossing and a full highways assessment. Despite these lingering concerns, the planning committee green-lit the project last year, citing the overwhelming benefit of connecting isolated rural villages to essential services.

What to Expect

Residents can expect a busy six months of construction as the site is readied for its 2026 debut:

• February 2026: Site preparation and tree clearance (Underway).

• Spring 2026: Major structural work on the two-storey extension.

• Late Summer 2026: Expected completion of building works.

• Autumn 2026: Full operational launch of the Mobi-Hub.

The project runs alongside the Stockyard development in Melton, as both towns aim to integrate into a single economic system focused on food, health, and sustainable mobility.