Developers of a transcendental meditation centre are this evening set to discuss details of the project with members of the village in which it is taking shape.

External work is continuing to progress on the £3.5million Maharishi Peace Palace in Rendlesham – and developers want to keep villagers updated on construction being carried out by RG Carter, as well as plans for when the building is officially opened.

Richard Johnson, Rendlesham resident and national director of the Transcendental Meditation Programme in England, said: “People see a big building going up in their neighbourhood and naturally want to know more about it.

“I’ve been stopped in the street by people asking about the Peace Palace. Its name has certainly got into the local vocabulary.

“It’s an unusual thing to happen in a village and has become a source of interest and curiosity.

“We’ve spoken previously to the parish meeting and would like to let local people know more about the facilities. We’ll be telling people about the ancient principles of architecture and design, and about the range of courses open to both the public and practitioners.

“We’re hoping to be joined by a representative of Carter’s, who will answer any questions about the construction.”

The meeting takes place from 7.30pm at Rendlesham Community Centre, where local people can hear more about the Peace Palace, which will be dedicated to teaching transcendental meditation, including consciousness-based education and natural health care known as AyurVeda.

Permission was granted in 2008 for the Maharishi Foundation to develop a residential venue teaching the techniques of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.

It will be the centrepiece of Rendlesham’s Garden Village – one of the largest Vedic architecture settlements of its kind.

Mr Johnson said: “It’s progressing very well. Everything is going up quickly and on time. The roof trusses should be going on at the end of the month.

“When finished, we plan to have an open day and invite people to come and have a look. We’d also be happy to hear from people interested in the Peace Palace hosting events for the local community – taking into account the building will have a quiet meditative atmosphere.

“Our AyurVeda health centre will be opening in a separate building to the south of the Peace Palace around April time. There will be lectures for the public on AyurVeda and the Maharishi approach to natural health care. The main Peace Palace is then due to open in October.

“We’re hoping to hold a proper presentation on the health centre in March, when we will introduce our AyurVeda practitioners.

“We’d also invite people to visit our website.”

You can find out more about the project at peacepalace.org.uk.