Plans for a £9.5million building providing offices and business support have been submitted.

Maidstone Borough Council has submitted its own planning application for the Innovation Centre, which would form part of Kent Medical Campus if approved.

A decision on the proposal is expected in early April.

Based off junction seven of the M20 in Maidstone, Kent Medical Campus is home to KIMS Hospital and Cygnet Health Care mental health services, which is currently being developed.

As development continues, the site is expected to become a home to firms in the life science, healthcare and med-tech sectors.

If approved, construction on the 37,000sqft Innovation Centre could begin in the autumn.

Martin Cox, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: "The proposed centre is an exciting, high-quality development.

"It will put Maidstone and the Kent Medical Campus firmly on the map and attract inward investment from new businesses in the medical, healthcare and life sciences sectors.

"By providing high-quality office accommodation, business support and a nurturing environment for start-ups and growing businesses, the Innovation Centre demonstrates the council’s commitment to encouraging entrepreneurship, supporting business growth and creating high wage employment opportunities within the borough."

Up to 270 people could work inside the office, which would provide flexible office spaces, meeting rooms and break areas along with hot desking space, a conference facility and a roof terrace.

Maidstone Borough Council has received £150,000 toward the multi-million pound project from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.

The council has also applied to the European Regional Development Fund to help finance the delivery of the project.

Bosses behind the project believe it will generate £120million of additional gross value to the local economy by providing a hub for businesses.

Tony Collins, chairman of Kent Medical Campus, said: "Once again Maidstone Borough Council has demonstrated its belief in the Campus as a major employment and economic driver for the borough.

"Our existing planning permission for 98,000m2 of commercial space, combined with Enterprise Zone status and the arrival of Cygnet and with work under way on Care UK’s new care home, means the campus is already delivering on its potential for Maidstone."