At the start of 2025, we launched Polishing the Jewel: a fundraising and building project to repair, renovate and renew our beautiful centre, to create a space that serves the community for decades to come.
And to do this we need to raise over £140,000, and that’s just the essentials.
Can you help?
So, where are we up to? As a Sangha we have raised £62,748 so far. We have a further £9,903 in pledges still to come and another £26,691 previously saved… that’s a total of: £99342.
Thank you so much to everyone who has already supported the project. We are so so grateful for all your contributions so far and deeply moved by the initial response.
You might have noticed we don’t have any scaffolding or new windows yet, so what is actually happening? A number of surveys have been conducted on the Centre to get a really accurate sense of the needs and priorities, with health and safety being top of the list. Work has already started with fire safety being brought up to the latest standards.
We are currently developing a brief for a multi-trade contractor to take on the next phase of the major works and once that is in place, we can also look towards getting some grant funding to help with larger amounts of money.
However, it is tricky to win bids for religious buildings as we fall between some of the categories, so at this point we really don’t know how successful that will be. We are still relying on the sangha to continue efforts to help move the project forward financially.
When might you expect the really visible work to start?
Our new plan is to aim to begin the external phase in spring next year. This gives us more time to do some initial improvements, and finalise plans for the major works.
The search for the right multi-trade contractor in the Birmingham area is starting now…
For over 26 years, our Centre has been the base, the home, the heart of our community, hosting thousands of people as they encounter and follow the path of wisdom and compassion that the Buddha taught. Now the fabric of our beloved building is falling apart in numerous ways.
We want to fix it and undertake vital building work, creating a space fit for purpose, inclusive and safe for our current and future sangha.
COMMENTS FROM PEOPLE WHO HAVE ALREADY PLEDGED:
”Hard to overstate how important this place is. This project is THRILLING”
“What a wonderful way to support the future spreading of the dharma. Great work team!”
”Let’s take care of our precious centre”
Phase 1: Outside
Focusing on repairs, safety and improvements after consulting professionals on what needs to be done
Phase 2: Inside
Focusing on renewing, accessibility and a more user-friendly space
