Colchester: New Church in Maldon Road to be Buddhist centre

The Gazette reported in June that the New Church, in Maldon Road, was officially off the market after being put on sale with the property firm, Stanfords.

Plans were submitted the previous year by religious leaders at the church to demolish it and turn the site into three homes, but it was rejected by Colchester Council.

The reason behind the application was due to a declining number of people attending the church.

To be transformed - another image of the former New Church in Maldon Road (Image: Newsquest)The Dhamma Centre - a registered charity - has bought the building.

Established in 2019, the centre opened a Buddhist temple in 2020, in Chapel Road, Stanway.

According to its website, the Dhamma Centre is dedicating to sharing the “teachings of the Buddha and promote the practice of mindfulness to people from all walks of life”.

It also aims to help people improve their mental wellbeing and “find balance in their lives”.

Beautiful - a Buddha shrine at the Dhamma Centre in Stanway (Image: Dhamma Centre) It runs a range of courses where people can learn about Buddhism and meditation.

Bhante Pannavamsa, of Colchester, is the chief Buddhist monk of the Dhamma Centre.

He said: “We are quite excited about the property. I think the previous owner tried to demolish it, which would have been a complete waste for the community.

“We are glad we were able to secure the property.

"We had been operating from a small property in Stanway and are excited to move once everything is in order.

Man of peace - Bhante Pannavamsa (Image: Dhamma Centre) “The location is perfect, and we are here to stay.

"I think there has been a lot of doubt over the building. We are very excited to get this property because it is quite unique in its nature.

“We want to support people for decades to come.”

What is Buddhism?

Buddhism started in India more than 2,500 years ago.

Buddhists follow the teachings of a man called Siddhattha Gotama, who became known as the Buddha, which means 'enlightened'.

Centre - another image of the Dhamma Centre in Stanway which will be closed once it relocates to Maldon Road (Image: Dhamma Centre)

Cultural celebrations - the Dhamma Centre often helps support cultural celebrations across the city. This photo was taken at Stanway Village Hall featuring former mayor Tim Young (Image: Dhamma Centre)

What happens next?

If everything goes smoothly, according to the new centre will open in early 2025 but as parts of the building is 100 years old, they are waiting to hear about what builders find.

A GoFundMe page has been set up with a target of £30,000 to help move the renovation work forward.

Donations will help install a Buddha altar, bathroom, damp proofing, repairing structural issues and a kitchen refurbishment.

It is also hoped donations will help with garden maintenance to create “peaceful spaces”.

To donate and find out more, visit gofundme.com/f/3qn6rh.