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.
What has happened so far, which isn’t so visible:
A number of surveys to get a really accurate sense of the needs and priorities
Updating fire safety, with a new alarm system and new fire doors
Refurbishment of the wooden front doors
We are still finalising the schedule for the major works to begin, amongst our other priorities and keeping the centre programme going. And we will still be relying on the sangha to continue efforts to help move the project forward financially.
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
