Thames Gateway Minister Bob Neill opened the doors to a brand new visitors centre in Basildon, showcasing the innovative ideas and technologies being developed in Thames Gateway South Essex.

Built on a site formerly the Nobel Dynamite factory, in the heart of the Wat Tyler Country Park, the Green Centre is an example of how fusing old and new can create exciting developments for the whole community to share in.

The building itself is a model example of green technology, made from sustainable materials and using the latest in low carbon technologies characterising the development and growth in the Thames Gateway.

The exhibition gives visitors the opportunities to learn about the importance of caring for the environment, including tackling climate change and global warming, and learn practical ways of reducing their energy use and save themselves money.

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The Centre also provides a peek into the wildlife and heritage South Essex past and present. The Minister was shown the vast collection of specimens and records that the Essex Field Club has collated since the club began in 1880, including a mammoth's tusk. Bob Neill holding a mammoths tusk from the Essex Field Clubs collection of specimens, with Steve Prewer (Basildon Council Centre Manager) ,Cllr Jeremy Lucas (Councillor, Essex County Council), Peter Allen (Chairman of the Essex Field Club).

Government investment in the Thames Gateway is helping the area to change its landscape in many ways; providing in world class trading facilities, new jobs and training opportunities side by side with wildlife habitats, valuable green spaces and homes for the local community.

Mr Neill said: "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."

(CD/GK)