COUNCIL bosses have set aside nearly £15million for a new enterprise centre.

The state of the art facility will be based at the new Horizon 120 business park being built off the A131 near Great Notley.

Councillors have voted in favour of of giving the project £7.7m, with a further £7m to be provided by the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

The centre will aim to support start-up and small businesses in the district.

It is hoped it will create 150 new jobs and allow firms to work together and share advice on how to expand.

Plans for the three-storey building include an event space, a café or restaurant and a plaza area which will serve employees working at the park and residents living in the area.

Building work is expected to begin early next year.

Braintree Council's corporate transformation boss John McKee said: “This state-of-the-art complex will be a great proposition for small and start-up businesses looking to grow and expand.

"Our commitment to this project shows that we are doing our part in creating jobs and building skills and generating the momentum needed to help our local economy recover in the wake of this pandemic.”

Economic development boss and deputy council leader Tom Cunningham said: "This is an exciting and innovative project which will not only encourage business growth, but also beyond that provide long term business support to enable that growth.

"This investment will lead to a wider residual benefit which will benefit the local area for many years to come.”