BUILDING work is underway at a new enterprise and innovation centre, which could create up to 150 jobs a year.
The £14.7 million centre, designed for start-ups and small businesses, is being built at the new Horizon 120 Business and Innovation Park located just off the A131 in Great Notley.
The three-storey energy-efficient complex, when complete, will offer shared meeting rooms, flexible work spaces, conference and training facilities and offices for smaller businesses to grow.
Councillor Kevin Bowers said the centre is an "exciting and modern" workplace for small businesses to grow.
Mr Bowers added: "Our investment into this innovative centre will increase opportunities for local businesses, create hundreds of quality jobs and generate the momentum needed to help the local economy bounce back from the impacts of this pandemic.
"It will be an asset to the business park and to the local area for many years to come."
Plans also include an event space and a cafe or restaurant with a plaza area.
The centre will form part of the 65-acre Horizon 120 Business and Innovation Park which will create 2,000 jobs.
Read more:
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Last month works were complete on the landscaping and the creation of a pond and wildlife habitat
Wildflower meadows and more than 300 trees have been planted to attract animals, and 'dark sky'-friendly street lighting installed to cut light pollution.
South East Local Enterprise Partnership Chair Christian Brodie said: “We are delighted to see the progress on this project, our Getting Building Fund is aimed at supporting economic growth, post pandemic and this new enterprise centre will provide modern workspace with the amenities needed to cater to a hybrid model of working with quality, contemporary space, which is exactly what is needed. "
If building work continues as planned, completion is expected for summer 2022.
Business interested in being a part of Horizon 120 should visit horizon120.com
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