PLANS to build a construction centre of “national importance” in Braintree have taken a step closer after cabinet members approved proposals.

If an EU bid is successful, the £2.3m project called iConstruct will see a centre specialising in new ways of construction built on the Springwood Drive Industrial Estate in Braintree.

It also would see the estate rebranded as an innovation park and see some of the cash spent on changes to Ignite House.

To proceed, Braintree Council are hoping to secure an £800,000 grant from the EU’s European Regional Development Fund ahead of Brexit next year.

It would be used alongside £750,000 of council cash and discussions are taking place with Essex County Council to match-fund the money.

The council hopes it will help to deliver more than 14,000 homes required by the local plan and 43,000 homes via the garden communities.

At a cabinet meeting, Tom Cunningham, councillor responsible for economic development, said: “On completion of the centre the council would have added a first class asset to its portfolio.

“This isn’t happening in many other parts of the country at this moment in time - this is a unique opportunity, not only in Essex, but nationally.

“I appreciate there are many hurdles still to cross but if this does come to pass it has the potential to create sustainable long-term job creation.”

The plans are only in the early stages with limited details at this time. Following a point about the decision planner made by Cllr Phil Barlow at the meeting, Cllr

Mr Cunningham said they are having to speed up the process of gaining ERDF funding for the work because of Brexit.

He said: “We are very much time limited which is why we haven’t been able to articulate as clearly as we would have liked to.”