First traditional Thai ‘ubosot’ outside London could be built in Runcorn

MORE details have emerged of a bid to build the only traditional Thai ‘ubosot’ hall in England outside London at the Buddhist temple in Runcorn.

Plans have now been formally submitted with Halton Borough council for the structure, which would host ceremonies and holiday celebrations at Wat Phra Singh at the former Waterloo Hotel pub on High Street.

The ubosot, or ‘ordination hall’, would be at the back of the car park within the temple’s existing grounds where until now its public events have been held in a temporary marquee.

Images filed with the plans show existing ubosots in Thailand from which the Runcorn ordination hall will draw its inspiration, with distinctive multi-tiered far-east roof stylings and also ‘ sema’ stones to mark out the sacred boundary to keep out the ‘profane’.

Eight of the stones mark out the perimeter and the ninth is usually buried in the main hall beneath the main image of Buddha.

The entrance to the hall will be facing south with the main Buddha looking west. Its north wall will feature panels depicting scenes from the religion’s founder’s life and teachings.

Tony Collacott, Wat Phra Singh trustee, said the structure will be the same size as the marquee used at present for events.

According to an archaeological report filed with the plans, the site is at the extreme edge of the medieval Runcorn settlement.

Scheme backers hope it will attract tourists to the area.

The plans have been prepared by Chester-based Glen Ltd Chartered Surveyors.

Public consultation is open until July 21 with Halton Borough Council aiming to decide the matter by August 23.

Mr Collacott said: “We started off thinking it would be a ‘car port’ type structure that would shelter us from rain but ambition seems to have got the better of us and it has now become a grand hall in the northern Thai temple style.

“If we can succeed it will be a major tourist attraction for Runcorn as it will be the only one of it’s type outside of London.”

Architect’s images, above and right, show provisional designs for the proposed Buddhist ‘ubosot’ hall at Wat Phra Singh in Runcorn