Basildon District Council (BDC) has confirmed the start of work on a new £1.2m 'green' visitor facility at Wat Tyler Country Park in Pitsea, Essex.

The project, which has received £1m from the government, will see half of an existing museum transformed into the centre. The Veolia Pitsea Marshes Trust has contributed £200,000.

Past, present and future sustainability within a Basildon context will be the theme of the Laurie Wood-designed facility, including a look at how the town evolved from rural beginnings to new town development.

Biological and geological records held by Essex Field Club are are to be available to access at the centre - part of a Biological Records Centre for use by a range of groups.

BDC cabinet member for leisure and the arts Kevin Blake said: "It will be another regional example of sustainable refurbishment of an old building at Wat Tyler and will again make use of biomass heating, water recycling, solar gain, recycled and responsibly-sourced building materials and high levels of insulation."

Forest Gate Construction has been appointed to deliver the scheme, while the remaining half of the museum will be put out to lease by the council.