A council is set to press ahead with plans to create a construction centre of national importance in Braintree, despite having to double the funding it will contribute.

Braintree Council is working on its iConstruct project which could see a centre specialising in new ways of construction built on the Springwood Drive Industrial Estate in Braintree.

If a bid for £800,000 of EU funding is successful, the £2.3m project would see part of the estate rebranded as an innovation park and see some of the cash spent on changes to the existing Ignite House.

Braintree Council had hoped Essex County Council would match fund the £750,000 it is set to pump into the project, however County Hall declined to offer the grant and has instead offered a loan.

However Braintree Council has rejected the offer, and is instead set to use an extra three-quarters-of-a million pounds from its Business Rates Pool.

Tom Cunningham, councillor responsible for economic development, said: "This project is an exciting prospect for us to promote innovation in construction.

"We want to make the district an attractive place to do business and create jobs and that’s why a contribution to the iConstruct project is so important.

"If additional funding is agreed at cabinet and if the European Regional Development Fund bid is successful, Braintree could be home to a flagship centre for construction innovation."

Further details have also emerged about the project, which it is hoped will help to deliver the 716 new homes per year which are required across the district.

The new innovation centre will be 629sqm in size, about the size of a full tennis court, and include a lobby, exhibition area, tech suites, conference facilities and offices.

Braintree Council will work with the Haven Gateway Partnership, Colchester Institute, Daedalus Environmental, Essex and County Council and the Buildings Research Establishment on the plans.

Mr Cunningham said: "The impact of this on businesses, high-quality job creation and opportunities for young people in and around Essex is huge.

"The centre will provide a focal point for business support, job creation and product development in the construction sector and will have an impact throughout the South Essex Local Enterprise Partnership region."

The latest plans will go in front of cabinet members on Monday.