First temple to receive Places of Worship grant
On 24 August 2106, it was announced that A Grade II* listed building would be the first temple to receive funding through the Grants for Places of Worship (PoW) scheme, the Taiwanese Fo Guang Shan temple, just off Oxford Street in London, will be using the development funding to work towards major building repairs.
The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) wrote:
Only a few minutes away from the bustle of Oxford Street is London's Fo Guang Shan (FGS) Temple, a sanctuary from the stresses of everyday urban life.
The well-established Taiwanese temple, which also runs the charity International Buddhist Progress Society UK, currently attracts 18,000 visitors per year.
London FGS Temple is a Grade II* listed building and active centre of Buddhist worship and teaching. However, building damage has placed the temple at risk and restoration is crucial to get it back in working order again. Luckily, after a successful application to HLF, London FGS Temple became the first ever temple to receive HLF support under the Grants for Places of Worship scheme. Development funding of £33,500 has recently been awarded to help London FGS Temple progress plans to apply for the full earmarked funding of £209,300.
The HLF grant will support restoration work to the eastern roofs, replacing damaged bricks and rebuilding the high level masonry of the temple, originally designed by Gothic architect William Butterfield in 1868. Alongside the restoration work, there will be a programme of community activities and events including archive research into the history of the building and a photography exhibition celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Fo Guang Monastery.
Applying the Fo Guang proverb of ‘offer confidence, offer joy, offer hope, and offer convenience’, the London FGS Temple will also be hosting singing, dancing and meditation classes and educational tours available to the public. Venerable Miao Shiang, Head of London Fo Guang Shan Temple, said: ‘It was fantastic news when we heard that our grant application had been approved by HLF. This news was received very well by everyone at the Temple. Our board of directors and trustees thank the HLF for the grant and are extremely grateful for the support. We look forward to working with HLF on this project.’
Stuart Hobley, Head of HLF London, said: ‘The Fo Guang Shan temple has been a part of London’s community for over 24 years and provides a rich programme of events and activities for all to enjoy. The temple is currently in need of urgent repair work and thanks to National Lottery players, this crucial restoration project will now be able to preserve the heritage of the temple, keeping it up and running and accessible for all.’
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Listed building.
- Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
- IHBC articles.
- Bricks.
- Masonry.
- Architect.
- History.
- Photography.
[edit] External references
- Heritage Lottery Fund - https://www.hlf.org.uk/about-us/news-features/fo-guang-shan-temple-wins-national-lottery-support
- Fo Guang Shan temple - http://londonfgs.org.uk/
IHBC NewsBlog
Modus on the challenge the construction industry has to become more circular
RICS members’ journal Modus ‘crunches the numbers’ on the challenge the construction industry has to become more circular.
RTPI: Measuring What Matters: Planning Outcomes Research
The Royal Town Planning Institute(RTPI) has issued research from across the UK and Ireland into how authorities can measure the outcomes of planning.
Wales introduces the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP) for a green recovery
The Welsh Government has given the green light and a further £10M to a major new programme that will transform social housing across Wales, boost the economy and open the door to a new Welsh industry: the Optimised Retrofit Programme (ORP).
Lifeline grants for culture in all corners of the country
Culture across the country benefits as Lifeline grants from the latest round of the £1.57 billion Culture Recovery Fund will protect a further 162 heritage sites across the country.
Scottish Government rejects transformation of landmark building into luxury hotel
Now the building long touted as a potential home for the Scottish Parliament stands as a symbol of a divided Scottish capital.
One of Britain’s last AA telephone boxes saved
AA Box 161 has now been listed. The telephone boxes were a sanctuary for motorists in distress, but of the hundreds across Britain just 21 remain.
IHBC submits comments on BSI’s PAS 2038 – Retrofitting non-domestic properties
The IHBC has noted that it fails to emphasise the need to carry out appropriate repairs as the vital precursor to installing retrofit measures.
Mapping tool for unused construction materials launched
A mapping tool that provides contractors and their suppliers with a central database of local Materials Exchange Platform (MEP) projects to help cut waste by finding a home for unused materials has been launched.
'Unusual' WW2 sites listed and upgraded to mark 80th anniversary of Battle of Britain
An air raid shelter, a pillbox cleverly disguised as a roofless cottage, a rare Chain Home radar defence tower, and a war memorial have been granted protection.
Derby City Council plans to knock down the 43-year old Assembly Rooms
A planning application has been submitted by Derby City Council to knock down the Assembly Rooms – which has played host to the likes of Elton John, Iron Maiden, Take That, etc.