New and historic landmarks will open their doors to the public this month writes Stephanie Rowe.

The Open House London event will offer a glimpse into the £8m Sutton Life Centre, which has caused controversy for its cost to taxpayers.

Nonsuch Mansion, named after the long-ruined palace built by King Henry VIII, and the Charles Cryer Theatre, are also among the buildings that will be open to the public from September 18 to 19.

Visitors to the Life Centre will be led around by an architect.

Councillor Graham Tope, executive member for community safety, leisure and libraries, said: “This will be a great event that will give visitors a look behind the scenes at some of Sutton’s most interesting buildings.

“All the events are free and offer an insight into our landmarks”.

Other buildings in Sutton open to the public include Carshalton’s All Saints Church and Carshalton Water Tower, the Phoenix Centre in Wallington, and Whitehall Museum in Cheam, which date from the 1500s.