A park is about to become even greener with a new green visitor centre.

Morden Hall Park has announced it will open its new Living Green Visitor Centre on November 5.

It is the first phase of a two-year project to transform the park’s semi-derelict stable-yard into a new visitor centre, combining the highest standards of restoration work with the latest energy-efficient technology.

Supported by a £990,000 Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) grant, with additional support from European-funding, the scheme will continue in its second year to provide volunteer, apprenticeship and education activities for people of all ages.

The £2.5 million Heart of the Park project will see the centre become one of the most energy-efficient historic buildings in the country.

The centre will house a permanent, interactive exhibition about sustainable green living and renewable energy, a changing exhibition area, National Trust offices, craft stalls for local artists, water-saving eco loos and a small café.

The restored stable-buildings utilise three different types of solar panels, one of which is designed to blend in with the original roof tiles, an air source heat pump, a wood burning stove, various types of insulation and under-floor heating.

Giant rainwater harvesting tanks beneath the stable-yard floor will collect water to flush the toilets. Recycled and natural materials have been used wherever possible.

National Trust property manager Zoë Colbeck said: “Incorporating energy-saving materials and devices into modern buildings is now common practice, but older buildings present many different challenges, especially when they are listed or in a conservation area.

“This pioneering project has given us a unique opportunity to restore our 19th century building in a way that meets the environmental challenges of the 21st century.”