A Government minister has given his seal of approval to the new £1.2million Green Centre at Wat Tyler Country Park.

Bob Neill, who is Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Homes and Communities and MP with responsibility for the Thames Gateway, visited the new centre and officially opened it yesterday.

Mr Neill was given a tour of the education, exhibition and conference centre, which is set in the middle of the picturesque park on Pitsea Hall Lane.

The minister saw how funding has helped create the Green Centre and improve the landscape, transforming the park into one of the most visited attractions in Essex.

Tony Ball, leader of Basildon Council said: “We are very pleased Mr Neill has been able to find time in his busy schedule to open the new Green Centre.

“The work on the Green Centre would not have been possible without the funding provided to the Thames Gateway Parklands initiative. It is a great example of what can be achieved when partners work together on major projects. Something which is vitally important in tough economic times.”

The centre has been created to be as energy efficient as possible and features sustainable construction materials.

Recycled insulation material has helped the centre achieve a top rating for carbon reduction, making it one of the most efficient buildings in the borough.

It also features interactive and fun displays and information on green issues and presents a digitalised local history, illustrating how the town has evolved from its rural beginnings to market towns through to new town development and beyond.

Steve Pever, manager for open spaces and parks, said: “It is a huge endorsement to have the minister with us today. It’s a great achievement and marks everything we have been working towards.”

Mr Neill, who was born in Hornchurch, added: “Not only does the Green Centre showcase low-carbon technologies and offer visitors simple, practical ways to reduce their energy use and save themselves money, it is a great example of how communities, councils, charities and businesses can shape the future of their local area.

“Our investment in the Thames Gateway area is helping unlock economic growth, providing homes and creating places in which communities are proud to live and others drawn to visit.”

The centre has meeting rooms and conferencing facilities and has already played host to several major events, including an international conference on green issues attended by delegates from across Europe.

For more information about the Green Centre visit www.greencentre.org.uk