Over the past few months we have endeavoured to transform 175-181 Maldon Road into a warmer, more welcoming home for Vipassana meditation and mindful community life.
Below is a brief round-up of the milestones we have reached together.
Planning Application for On-Site Accommodation
Planning application submitted
We have formally lodged plans for a self-contained, prefabricated accommodation unit at the rear of 175 Maldon Road. This will provide simple yet comfortable living space for resident monastics and visiting teachers.
Why external, not internal?
After careful consultation, we decided not to re-configure the centre’s interior at this stage. Any structural alterations or additions (re-modeled accessible bathroom) would trigger stringent, building-wide compliance upgrades (fire sprinkler system’s, energy-efficiency standards, etc.) that could run well into five figures—resources the Centre simply doesn’t have right now. Installing a separate unit outside avoids these costs while still meeting our immediate need for accommodation.
Revised cost estimate
When first scoped in early 2024 we anticipated spending £15,000. Due to inflation in construction materials, prefabrication tariffs and delivery fees, the current estimate has risen to ≈ £25,000. This means our fundraising target has grown accordingly.
Help close the gap
Your continuing generosity keeps the project moving. Every contribution—large or small—brings the Centre closer to hosting retreats with resident teachers on-site.
Arrival of the Thai Buddha Statue
Heart-felt gratitude to Hemamalie and Suwina for leading the search and liaising with the Royal Monastery in Bangkok that donated our beautiful standing Buddha.
A warm bow to our Thai donors for their boundless dāna, which now blesses everyone who enters the Centre.
Community effort honoured: thanks to your swift fund-raising efforts initiated by Mala & Dhamsiri, we covered all import duties and the specialist transport from Southampton to Colchester. The statue will be safely installed in the Meditation Hall on the 6th of Aug 2025, radiating calm and heartfelt inspiration.
Double-Glazing Completed (23 windows)
Cosier, quieter practice space – the new units drastically reduce heat-loss and outside noise, creating a serene atmosphere year-round.
Funded entirely by donations – your contributions made it possible to replace every outdated single-glazed window in the Lobby, Meditation Hall, Social Room and Kitchen.
Environmental impact – better insulation means lower heating bills and a smaller carbon footprint, aligning with our commitment to compassionate stewardship of the planet.
COST: £ 16,772.95 (Settled in full)
New Paving & Manhole Upgrades (ongoing)
Unearthed and secured – old, hidden manholes have been exposed and fitted with durable, metal covers for easy maintenance.
Future-proof plumbing – a brand-new manhole at the rear now connects the planned monk’s accommodation to the main sewage line.
Accessible pathway – fresh paving stones lead from the gated entrance to the office entrance, offering safer footing for visitors.
COST: £6,040 (to be settled upon completion of tender)
What’s Next?
Accommodation block fundraiser – £10,000 still to go
Planning applications have been launched for the proposed work. Work on the self-contained quarters can begin as soon as we close the remaining funding gap. Every pound brings us closer to providing on-site accommodation for resident teachers(s).
Exterior repaint & weatherproofing
A full repaint of the Centre’s façade will seal chronic water-ingress points, treat moisture damage, and give the old church, now Meditation Centre, a fresh, uplifting appearance in keeping with the calm within.
Kitchen refurbishment – design work under way to cater for retreats of up to 80 people.
Garden landscaping – planting plan finalised to create year-round colour and quiet seating areas.