The architects have been chosen to design the new 30,000sq ft Innovation Centre at the Kent Medical Campus in Maidstone.

Maidstone Borough Council has appointed the award-winning Bond Bryan Architects. It is currently developing the plans, with final designs set to be revealed later this year.

The Innovation Centre is designed to be one of the key cogs in the county town's bid to cement its position as the business capital of the county.

It will provide a collaborative space for high-growth-potential companies and start-up businesses in the healthcare, med-tech and life science sectors.

The council has also appointed construction consultancy CalfordSeaden to project manage the delivery of the development on the site just off junction 7 of the M20.

Once the final designs are put forward, a planned application with be put before councillors, with the site open for business, if all goes to plan, by April 2020.

As part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone, businesses located at the Kent Medical Campus are entitled to business rates relief.

Maidstone Borough Council is investing in the site using the retained business rates that will be generated from the site for the next 25 years

Cllr Martin Cox, council leader, said: "The Innovation Centre is a clear statement of the council's commitment to support the development of private sector commercial premises that will attract high-growth health and medical related businesses and employment opportunities to the borough."

Zubin Masters, director at Bond Bryan Architects, added: "Our approach will seamlessly link the offices and work spaces with the communal areas of the building, to deliver a sociable working atmosphere that fosters partnerships and enables businesses to share ideas.

"Internally, the building will be flexible enough to allow the layout to be easily adapted to suit the rapidly-changing needs of growing businesses, whilst externally, the Innovation Centre will have a distinctive and eye-catching design that serves as a destination point for users and visitors."