Work started February 2008 on a new 50,000 sq.ft office park at Oakham in Rutland, adjacent to the new bypass. Developer Rugby Investments, which has recently completed projects in Peterborough and Bedford, received detailed planning consent for the development late 2007.The Office Park will comprise 10 units in the first phase and up to 18 buildings when completed. It is expected that significant numbers of people will be employed at the park when all buildings are occupied.

The office buildings are to be built to a very high standard of energy efficiency and will also have a heat recovery ventilation/ air conditioning system and raised access floors. Sizes start from 1,733 sq.ft and buildings up to 25,000 sq.ft could be accommodated.

Budworth Hardcastle have been appointed as sole agents for the development. Gavin Hynes, Director at Budworth Hardcastle's Peterborough Office commented:

‘We are delighted to be involved with such a prestigious new development, and are pleased to report that the first three buildings are now under offer with strong interest in a number of the other units. There has been a pent up demand for quality new offices in Oakham and the initial level of interest shown points to a very successful development. The buildings are for sale or to let.’

Hawksmead constructed the Link Road between Lands End Way and the bypass and this was completed together with the site access road before Christmas. This is the first phase to receive detailed approval and Rugby Investments will have the first buildings available for occupation in October 2008.