Havering Council is encouraging residents to make the most of the Low Energy Visitor Centre (LEVC) before it closes to the public at the end of March 2026.
The innovative exhibition centre, created by retrofitting the historic Park Lodge at Raphael Park, will host its final public drop-in event on Monday 30 March 2026.
The Lodge’s transformation into a green visitor centre was made possible due to funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and the Mayor of London.
The refurbishment which includes a heat pump, vacuum sealed windows, solar panels and sustainable urban drainage systems model, demonstrates how traditional and historic buildings can be sensitively upgraded with modern, low carbon technologies.
Since opening in May 2025, the LEVC has become a vibrant hub for community learning, showcasing practical energy saving measures and supporting residents and local businesses to cut energy costs, reduce waste and prevent damp and mould.
Throughout its operation, the centre has welcomed hundreds of visitors and delivered a wide programme of free, accessible events. These have included:
- Heat pump demonstrations with Sureserve and Ideal Heating
- Water Saving Clinics with Essex and Suffolk Water
- Energy Advice Clinics from Havering’s Energy Doctors
- Composting, recycling and food waste workshops
- Repair Cafés delivered with East London Waste Authority.
The centre has also engaged a broad range of local groups, including Brownies and Scouts, schools, and local Wombles groups, helping embed sustainability knowledge across generations.
The project’s success has been recognised nationally, with the LEVC being shortlisted for two Retrofit Academy Awards: The Social Value Award and Best Local Authority Retrofit Programme.
When the LEVC closes, the Park Lodge will return to the Council’s Parks Team, after benefitting from various energy saving upgrades that will extend the life of the building for years to come.
Though the centre’s doors are closing, the Council’s work to improve the local environment will continue through the development of a new Green Vision that will strengthen community resilience, improve local environments and support a cleaner, more efficient future.
Recent progress in the borough’s environmental ambitions include the saving of almost one million pounds in energy bills across Council’s properties, the rolling out of electric vehicle charging points, the establishment of a Well Garden at Royal Jubilee Court that promotes agricultural skills, solar panels at Romford Library and, the creation of Green Hubs and free thermal imaging cameras for residents to access at all Havering libraries.
Together, these initiatives reinforce the borough’s commitment to a greener and more sustainable future.
Councillor Natasha Summers, Cabinet Lead for Climate Change and Housing Need, said:
“The Low Energy Visitor Centre has made it easier for residents to see energy saving products up close, while inspiring residents to make Havering’s homes and businesses fit for the future.
“It’s many events have helped strengthen connections between the Council, communities and partners, all while helping residents and businesses to save money by cutting energy bills and reduce waste.
“I encourage anyone who has not visited the LEVC, to take full advantage of this wonderful asset before it closes later this month.”
For details on how to access the LEVC and upcoming events, please visit: