WORK is moving forward on a new £14.7 million enterprise centre as park of a business park.

Braintree Council announced it had appointed a contractor to lead of the build of the new centre, based at the Horizon 120 business and innovation park.

The park is currently being built off the A131 in Great Notley.

Kier Regional Building Eastern is set to being work on the enterprise centre later this month after contracts were exchanged after it won a bid to build the new centre.

Kier, who were also appointed to the Victoria Square Regeneration project, are hoping to continue the sustainable designs.

Managing director, Mark Dady said: "We’re extremely pleased to have been appointed to deliver this scheme. The sustainable design of the building highlights how we can help our clients achieve their sustainability aims, through the projects we deliver.

"Both projects will greatly benefit Braintree by providing new facilities and employment opportunities for the community."

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The three-storey centre will offer shared meeting rooms, flexible work spaces, conference and training facilities and offices for smaller businesses to grow.

The centre will be built to high environmental standards using construction techniques and modern materials.

Dominic Collins, corporate director of growth at the council, said: “The appointment of a main contractor is a major step forward for this project.

"Kier’s experience will help us create a modern and eco-friendly building which will generate opportunities for small businesses and create hundreds of jobs for local residents. We look forward to work starting on site imminently."

Horizon 120 which also includes new leisure and childcare facilities, is expected to cost Braintree Council £24.3m.

The project was recently shortlisted in the running to win the Royal Town Planning Institute’s Award in the ‘Excellence in Planning for a Successful Economy’ category.

South East local enterprise partnership chair Christian Brodie said: “As businesses reassess how they work following the pandemic, spaces such as this enterprise centre will be vital to our changing business landscape. They will provide modern workspace with the amenities needed to cater to a hybrid model of working.

"We are delighted to be supporting this project, which will give opportunities to entrepreneurs and start-ups, foster innovation and provide an energy efficient space for businesses to collaborate and grow."

Work is set to begin on the new centre later this month.