A BUDDHIST centre built inside a former city centre pub will have its official opening this weekend.

The Triratna Buddhist Order of Southampton will swing open its doors to the public during a ribbon cutting event today.

It is the first time the centre, built inside former St Mary Street watering-hole, the Plume of Feathers, has been officially opened to members of the public.

The group has been operating out of the former boozer, which closed six years ago, since being given planning permission to convert it in May.

However the Buddhist order are now ready to officially open to members of the public who want to learn more about both the religion and meditation.

Chair of Southampton Triratna Buddhist centre, Mary Whittaker, known by her Buddhist name, Sudarshini, said: “Obviously we are really pleased to be opening to members of the public.

“We’ve been holding two classes a week for a while but we hope this event will help people realise we are here.

“A lot of local people know it used to be a pub for many years and a lot have been curious about what we have done.

“This event will give people the chance to look around and find out what we do.”

The event follows on from a five month regeneration of the former pub, which was previously boarded up since its closure in 2011.

According to Sudarshini, the group spent “thousands” revamping the inside of the building, which has been fitted out with a new shrine room, study and reception.

However she added that the cost of the project would of been “much higher” had it not been for the help of volunteers.

Sudarshini said: “A lot of people have given their services for free and a lot of hard work and love has gone into it.”

The group, who have been around for 20 years and previously held meetings at The Grove Therapy Centre in Highfield, will use the centre for meditation sessions and study groups.

Attendees at the open day will be allowed to take part in free taster meditation sessions.

After the sessions, members of the public will be able to ask questions and find out more information about Triratna Buddhist Community - whose purpose is to practice and communicate the teachings of the Buddha. The sessions will be held every hour between 1pm and 4pm.