Another extension of a business centre has been officially opened.

The Business Terrace in Maidstone was launched in 2015 to provide office space for growing businesses in the town centre.

Now it has had a £565,000 extension fitted adding six new large offices, meeting areas and a kitchen facility.

It is hoped it will allow those firms based there to grow on-site when demand dictates.

Run by Maidstone Borough Council, mayor David Naghi cut the ribbon on the expansion last week.

Since it started, it has been home to more than 50 firms and offered advice to hundreds of start-ups.

Cllr Martin Cox, leader at Maidstone Borough Council, said: "The council is pleased to be extending the office space available within the Business Terrace for the third time.

“This recent expansion is a testament to the increasing demand for adaptable space, and the Business Terrace is certainly viewed as the place to launch new enterprises in the borough.

“In addition to the one-to-one professional support we offer to new start-ups, we provide flexible and affordable office space. This is a key component of the service and helps to give an opportunity for fledgling businesses to grow and thrive within a conducive environment.

“Since the Business Terrace’s launch in 2015, we have been successful in stimulating entrepreneurship with more than 600 local businesses – a fact that we are certainly very proud of.”

On-site support is delivered via not-for-profit partners and pro-bono professional support for accounting, legal and financial advice provided by local private sector partners.