Representatives of Diamond Way Buddhism gathered at the splendid Tea House theatre by Vauxhall Spring Gardens to offer the local community the opportunity to look at plans for the renovation of the Beaufoy Institute building. The informal consultation was part of the multi-stage planning consultation and planning application process, which could last several months, and followed on from the recent discussion about planning at the KOV Forum.

Various visitors shared local stories about the history of the Beaufoy building and how different groups would like to be involved in the new Buddhist centre following various previous projects.

Comments about the planning application were positive and the general feeling was that it is a good thing that the Beaufoy building – which has been vacant for some 15 years – will finally be brought back to life.

Some of the ideas discussed with the local visitors included the opportunity for tours of the Beaufoy Institute before and after the renovation; the potential for volunteering or apprenticeship opportunities for local youths; possible connections with local schools and the prospect of an annual community fundraiser where the whole community are invited into the Beaufoy for a concert. These ideas are all being looked into and announcements will be made further down the line.

You can read more articles about the planning application process.