Work has started on a new £1.4m facility alongside the National Stone Centre in Wirksworth, Derbyshire, which is designed to promote sustainable development and maintain traditional construction skills.

Due to open in September 2010, the Eco Centre will enable Derbyshire County Council (DCC) to increase the number of training courses it offers in a bid to help sustain the area's rural built heritage. Facilities at the venue will include a large multi-purpose area for indoor practical work, classroom areas, an office, an environmental garden, a social area and a toilet and shower area.

A range of courses will be offered by the centre, which will be run in partnership with the National Stone Centre and include dry stone walling, stone masonry, hedge laying and roofing skills, as well as initiatives to promote rural crafts, arts and environment and renewable energy technologies. DCC cabinet member for education Mike Longden said: "The new Eco Centre will offer opportunities for people of all ages - with adult learning courses, school links, events for all the family, support for voluntary groups and activities to help local businesses."

Ashover-based Wildgoose Construction has been appointed to build the centre, which will incorporate a range of sustainable measures, including rainwater collection, a grassed roof, an air source heat pump and solar panels. DCC, together with the Learning and Skills Council and Derby and Derbyshire Economic Partnership, have funded the scheme.