BRAINTREE Council is splashing out more than £6million on a scheme which could create 2,000 new jobs, it has been revealed.

A report discussed in a cabinet meeting states funding for £6,268,000 was approved by councillors last year to allow bosses to pay for "land acquisition costs" for the new Horizon 120 business park.

The funding is also allowing Braintree Council to develop a future development plan for the 65-acre site next to Great Notley County Park, which is where the business centre will be based.

The authority says it is not in a position to confirm how much it paid for the land following the completion of a deal back in January.

Councillors discussed the next phase of the project during Monday's meeting, with proposals to build a new central hub in the middle of the site unveiled.

The hub would potentially be home to gyms, retail units, restaurants and offer childcare provision. A hotel is also being considered to support the needs of businesses moving to the site.

In a further effort to encourage businesses to move to Braintree, the park will be fitted the best fibre-optic connectivity possible, and will also boast Wi-Fi hotspots, electric vehicle charging points and flexible accommodation.

It will also benefit from views over open countryside with paths and jogging trails linking to Great Notley Country Park.

The council's economic development boss Tom Cunningham said: "Horizon 120 offers an opportunity for businesses to secure well connected, state of the art, bespoke new premises within a quality environment, making it the place to do business now and in the future.

"We’ve already had huge interest from businesses in our district that need to expand and from businesses outside our district looking for future-proofed locations.

"The park is an ideal location for many businesses because it is next to the A120 and well connected to Stansted Airport, the Harwich port, London and Cambridge."

Discussions are now set to continue on how the council will seek to finance the rest of the project.

One option being considered is to sell much of the land off either before or after development. However, the council would retain ownership of the central hub.