http://www.birminghammail.net/2008/06/26/c...97319-21154394/

Church of Scientology deal funds blow

Jun 26 2008 By Edward Chadwick

THE Church of Scientology today admitted it has not yet done a deal to buy the Grade II listed Birmingham building which it plans to turn in to its Midlands headquarters.

The organisation hopes to part with £4.25 million to snap up Moseley’s plush Pitmaston building on leafy Moor Green Lane, but says it must raise more funds before moving in.

The news may come as a surprise to neighbours who say they have seen followers turn up for a string of meetings in recent weeks.

It was revealed exclusively in the Birmingham Mail that the organisation – famed for its celebrity disciples including Tom Cruise and belief in alien life – were planning to swoop for the former insurance firm offices in April.

Leaders have refused to outline their future plans for the site, but say they will keep locals informed and have vowed to preserve the building’s unique features.

Graeme Wilson, the church’s director of public affairs, said the site would be modelled on the organisation’s newly-opened London base, complete with meeting rooms and lecture theatres.

“The current owners have permitted members of the church to use the building for a few meetings,” he said.

“Once the church secures the site and finalises its plans we will brief the neighbours.

“It is our policy to retain as much as possible the historic features and character of any building we acquire and Pitmaston would not be an exception.”

The splendour of Pitmaston’s marbled floors and oak panelled board rooms was unveiled to Scientologists for the first time on May 17 when members gathered to mark the 50th anniversary of founder L Ron Hubbard’s book Have You Lived Before? which chronicled the experiences of disciples in past lives.

Popped it up on Enturb and EXSCN

Anyone know who the owners are that are consenting to the Co$ using it?

We could do a land registry search to find that out, if it hasn't been done already.

The address is:

Pitmaston
123
Moor Green Lane
Birmingham

http://www.landregisteronline.gov.uk/lro/s...tenure=Freehold

http://img84.imageshack.us/my.php?image=sdc10063kc5.jpg

Oh dear they're a bit short of cash..

This is a sign we're winning. They're hemorrhaging cash and members at an alarming rate. We just need to keep up the pressure. I feel another Pitmaston demonstration coming on soon.

I reckon B'ham mail may want to send a photographer.

Oh, anyone up for a Pitstop 2: The refueling?

Had some interest from some ex-scis.

Yes, I'm interested...

id be up for it

I'm up for it... But I'm getting surprisingly busy these weekends.

Weekdays anyone?

I'm up for it too, It would need to be a weekend for me though.

Also according to the article they only use the building at weekends at the moment.

This time we won't get lost trying to find the place.

sounds like a plan.
whenevers good for me.

I'm up for it.

OK, we need intel on events they're holding. I'll leave that to the usual suspect(s) to obtain.

I'd be up for this, just tell me where and when.

Bruce also is up for a Pitmaston revisit. megaphone is feeling unloved at the moment and wants to air its lungs.

I can’t do weekends. I’m available for any weekday raids though.

cool, there may be chance of a few as the summer is here so i'll hit you up with a text or pm if we get one going.

Id go too