Millions of pounds has been awarded from the EU toward a huge business project in Maidstone.

The Innovation Centre is set to open in summer 2021, its hoped the introduction of 30,000sq ft of workspace will create 270 jobs.

The European Regional Development Fund has awarded £5.7m toward the project, which will be based at the Kent Medical Campus.

Cllr Martin Cox, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: "The grant funding is fantastic news and reflects the council's continuing work to position the County Town as the business capital of Kent, boost the local economy and provide higher value job opportunities for residents."

The mixed-use centre will have technology facilities along with office space and support for small and medium sized businesses working in the life science, healthcare and medical technology sectors.

It is expected to bring £120million into the local economy.

Planning for the site was approved in April this year.

The European Regional Development Fund helps local areas stimulate their economic development by investing in projects which will support innovation, businesses, create jobs and local community regeneration.

The centre's development will include the introduction of the MedTech Innovation Programme, which is designed to help start and grow entrepreneurs as they get their businesses off the ground.

The business support programme is eligible to businesses across the South East Enterprise Partnership area and is funded by SELEP.

Once constructed the business support programme will be run from the Innovation Centre.

Read more: All the latest news from Maidstone.