LONG-AWAITED plans for a heritage centre in Shoebury look set to get the green light.

Planning officers at Southend Council have recommended councillors give the go-ahead to the proposals to convert the former wagon shed on the Garrison estate into an exhibition space for schoolchildren and visitors.

The move, if it is rubber-stamped today, could bring to an end an eight-year wait for the heritage centre, which was part of the original proposals for the redevelopment of the site.

Andrew Lewis, the council’s corporate director for enterprise, tourism and the environment, said: “The building currently sits empty, and it is pleasing to see this application for its retention, re-use and long-term preservation being brought forward.