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
IHBC Gus Astley Student Award winners now out
Strathclyde University’s Estefania Macchi secures 2018 Award with ‘building information’ focus. Commended successes cover Brutalism, conflict, staircases, cob, CMPs....
IHBC HESPR top pick from £89M+ costed work this week
Waveney DC etc. seeks accredited architect for ‘as and when’ support for Lowestoft High Street Conservation Grant Scheme, closing 04/04, £25k-£50k.
Historic Environment Scotland makes major investment in conservation training
HES Conservation Directorate seeks 10 trainees, with salary starts from £17,500 - all now advertised on IHBC’s unique Jobs etc service with a closing date of 8 April.
Historic England - latest Planning Bulletin out now
HE highlights omission of ‘heritage’ from draft Environment (Principles and Governance) Bill.
RTPI signs Newcastle Declaration on Blue and Green Infrastructure
This recognises the critical need for proactive investment in natural solutions to address flood risk and climate change - a concept linked to IHBC's 2019 School.
HCLG reports reforms needed for high streets and town centres to flourish
Dated policies and unfair tax regime must be reformed to create an environment that will allow high streets and town centres to flourish in the future, HCLG concludes.
IHBC Heritage from the civic doorstep
Civic Voice raises the question: Is what is happening here happening everywhere?
Another record-breaking year for Scottish heritage sites
Historic Environment Scotland (HES) has reported on how heritage visitors have generated £620 million in Scotland’s local tourism expenditure.
How to explore a secret part of London Underground
Hidden London, a series of tours at disused stations and secret sites around the city, is run by the London Transport Museum.
Revealed - thousands of public spaces lost to the council funding crisis
Local Government funding crisis so dire that councils are being forced to sell thousands of public spaces, such as libraries, community centres and playgrounds.
RTPI says that austerity in England has eroded public service
‘Au revoir’ to planning in the public interest… Hello ‘Austerity Planner'.
Ecclesiastical issues its Heritage Sector insights
More context for the IHBC’s 2019 School as the insurance company looks at managing risks and offers guidance.
Entries now open for the Brick Awards 2019
Brick Development Association has announced that entries are now open for the Brick Awards 2019, which closes 31 May.
Demolition starts on Windscale chimney at Sellafield
First blocks of concrete are removed from the top of one of the world’s most recognisable chimneys - Sellafield’s Windscale Pile One stack.