Buddhist group's abbey plan

Buddhist group's abbey plan

Northampton council has decided to sell the lease of the building

A Buddhist group has put forward a £6m plan to restore a historic abbey in Northamptonshire and open it up to the local community.

The Jamyang Buddhist Centre is hoping to buy the lease on Delapre Abbey, Northampton, and spend millions of pounds restoring the Grade II* listed building.

The Centre, and rival bidders environmental group Lifespace, are in negotiations with Northampton Borough Council over the building.

A council spokeswoman said a decision would be made in June this year.

The group want to restore the Grade II* listed building.

This week the Jamyang Buddhist Centre, which in the past has worked on community projects in London, announced its hopes for the abbey.

Alison Murdoch, a spokeswoman for the group, said they hoped to work with specialist architects and English Heritage to help take the building off the At Risk register.

"We are extremely excited. We have been looking at the building for more than a year and a half.

'Work spaces for artists'

"On top of the purchase of the building, the longer-term cost will be £6m.

"This includes the refurbishment of outbuildings.

"There will be facilities for the community, a visitors centre, tea rooms, and we are looking at a digital cinema for Northampton and perhaps work spaces for artists."

Ms Murdoch said the group was looking for a more peaceful setting and this site suited its requirements.

Battle of Northampton

Most of the abbey dates from the 17th and 18th Centuries.

Its park is the site of one of the 13th Century resting places for the body of Queen Eleanor as it was transported to London for burial.

It is also famed as the site of the Battle of Northampton in 1460 during the War of the Roses.

The abbey was bought by Northampton Borough Council after World War II and became home to its records office.