Bypass construction site eyed for new Melton highways depot

Leicestershire County Council is considering relocating its Melton Mowbray highways depot to the main construction compound used for the town’s new distributor road.

The site, located off the A606 Nottingham Road, is currently occupied by contractor Galliford Try and its partners as the headquarters for the North East Melton Mowbray Distributor Road (NE MMDR) project, which is due to open before the end of May.

Replacement needed for expiring depot lease

The move comes as the lease on the council’s existing Dalby Road depot—home to gritting vehicles and winter maintenance operations—is set to expire in December.

To address this, the council has earmarked £9.3m within its capital programme to support the development of a new, permanent depot.

Potential dual-use site

The large compound, which includes temporary offices and parking, is being assessed not only as a replacement highways depot but also as a potential new location for Melton’s household waste and recycling centre, currently based on Lake Terrace.

A council spokesperson said the authority is exploring the suitability of the site but emphasised that no final decisions have been made.

Strategic opportunity

Repurposing the construction compound could provide a ready-made solution for the council, offering space and infrastructure already in place following completion of the bypass project.

The proposal will form part of discussions at a cabinet meeting on 24 March, as the council continues to plan for the future of its highways and waste operations in the area.