A CONTROVERSIAL visitor centre is finally set to open nearly five months late and at least £250,000 over budget.

Redbridge Council hopes that the James Leal Centre, in Ray Park, will be a fitting replacement for the historic Ray Lodge house, which used to occupy the site until it was burnt down nearly five years ago in a suspected arson attack.

But critics have condemned the new structure - which was originally due to open in July - as an “eyesore” and slammed the council for altering its initial design.

Anne Spacey, who regularly walks her dog in Ray Lodge Park, said the final design is nothing like the one originally planned.

She said: "It doesn't look anything like what we were shown.

"At least they've changed the paint from orange to green, but it's still not very nice looking.

"It's a shame because the old house was quite attractive."

These views were shared by fellow park user, James Seagrove, of Chigwell Road, Woodford Bridge.

He said: "The cafe is opened now, which is actually quite nice.

"But it would have been nice if the council had stuck by what was originally planned."

The centre - which cost £1.35 million to build and is named after former Bridge Ward councillor James Leal - was delayed after a dispute between the council and contractors carrying out the work.

It will be officially opened to the public in a special ceremony on Saturday December 12, which is due to run from 11am until 3pm.

A council spokeswoman said: "Councillors wanted to dedicate a building to Mr Leal and felt that because of his role as Cabinet Member for Planning and Regeneration and as this building sits within Bridge Ward, this was the most fitting choice.

"The opening will be celebrated by a host of family fun activities including, sports, arts and nature conservation events.

"The visitor centre boasts a number of unique features aimed at raising awareness of Redbridge's wildlife and open spaces and in particular the Roding Valley Corridor."

The centre, which the council claims is the greenest building in the borough, is also due to be used as a 'learning centre' and to provide a base for Nature Conservation Rangers.

The centre also has a cafe which is already open.

During the winter the visitor centre and cafe will be open from 9.30am to 3.30pm from Tuesday to Friday and 9.30am to 2.30pm at weekends.

Longer opening hours will be in place during the summer.