COUNCIL bosses have rubber-stamped a deal which will bring thousands of new jobs to the district.

Braintree Council has announced it has officially exchanged contracts to buy a 65-acre site in Great Notley which will be home to its brand new business park - Horizon 120.

The project forms part of a £100million investment scheme announced by the council to help it become financially independent by 2020.

It is hoped the new park, which will be built next to Great Notley Country Park, will create up to 2,000 new jobs and attract firms from across East Anglia.

Facilities for a children’s day care centre are also expected to be created within the park, along with places for eating and drinking.

Council economic development boss Tom Cunningham says interest in the proposed business park has been high.

“The level of interest in the site has exceeded even the highest of our expectations,” he said.

“We are attracting businesses from outside the district to invest in Braintree and we have big ambitions for this site.

“We want it to become the place to do business in the region.

“It’ll be modern and reflect the changing face of business and it’ll be future-proof, hence the name Horizon 120.

“Our vision for Horizon 120 is of a real business community where employees can have a drink, drop children off at childcare and enjoy a lunchtime run in the beautiful Great Notley Country Park.

“We want more jobs and opportunities for everyone who lives and works in our district. Horizon 120 will mean that residents have better access to skilled jobs in a great setting close to home.”

Further details of the council’s £100million investment plan were revealed by council leader Graham Butland during a business convention held at Braintree Town Hall yesterday.

Also included in the scheme is the regeneration of Manor Street, improvements to Galleys Corner, an enterprise centre in Witham and offices in Sible Hedingham called Osier House.

Plans are also in place to deliver 200 new council-run homes in the district, a new health centre in Sible Hedingham and I-CONSTRUCT, a new construction centre which will help attract investors, developers and innovators.

Mr Butland said: “We’re investing in what matters to our residents - health and homes, journeys and jobs.

“This investment has a double benefit for residents - once by the investment itself and secondly by the return on investment which will be spent on council services.

“It also means that we are playing our part in preparing for our growing district making sure that we have the right foundations in place to support that growth.

“Our investments are unlocking more from partners and private sector too and that adds up to better health care facilities, better homes, improvements to the way we get around the district and more jobs.”