WORK has started to transform a former explosives factory in Pitsea into a £2.2million heritage centre.

The new eco-friendly tourist attraction in Wat Tyler Country Park is due to open in 2009. It will be powered by renewable energy and include green features such as rainwater recycling.

The centre will house an interactive exhibition and local history archives, as well as giving visitors panoramic views across Pitsea Marshes.

It is part of a £5.5million regeneration project for the park, off Pitsea Hall Lane, which will also include a new RSPB centre.

Kevin Blake, councillor responsible for leisure and open spaces, said: "We estimate the improvements taking place throughout the park will increase visitor numbers from 300,000 to 450,000 people a year.

"The heritage centre will be not only be a fantastic new attraction for residents, but a showcase for education and environmentally-friendly design."

The centre will also include a cafe and restaurant, classrooms, meeting and conference rooms and offices for the countryside services team.

The project was nearly scuppered by bats and owls. A wildlife report issued last July found an abundance of long-eared and pipistrelle bats as well as barn owls living in the factory.

Basildon Council has since arranged new habitats for the creatures, as part of the heritage centre.

More than 1,000 people signed a petition against the project, fearing existing businesses on the site, including the Wat Tyler Cafe would be axed.

Like the bats, they have now been found new homes elsewhere in the park by the council.

The building work is being carried out by Basildon-based Forest Gate Construction.