Construction has begun on a new £5m Hindu Temple in Oldham, which will incorporate a blend of modern and traditional features
Based in Salford Quays, Recom Solutions, has been appointed as the main contractor for the Shree Swaminarayan Temple.
Around 100 people, including members of the community, senior temple leaders, design team personnel and contractors attended a ground-breaking ceremony to bless the start of the scheme on Copsterhill Road.
Site clearance has already started and will be followed by groundworks, structural steelworks, glass-reinforced concrete works and then the internal finishes.
Once completed, the Shree Swaminarayan Temple will feature a spacious and naturally lit modern prayer hall, space for sports, events and teaching, a courtyard with landscaped gardens, parking and accommodation.
The Hindu temple is being funded through donations from the local community in Oldham as well as supporters nationwide and internationally.
An ornate solid marble feature gate and traditional Hindu temple domes will be hand-crafted in India, imported and installed at the new facility.
Other partners involved in the scheme include LTS Architects, Curtins and Hurstwood Environmental Consulting.
Seeking a new site
The Shree Swaminarayan Temple, currently based on Lee Street, opened in 1977. The community has been seeking a new, modern facility for a number of years. Planning permission for the new development was granted in June 2019.
Suresh Gorasia, speaking on behalf of the temple, said: “Thanks to the generous support we have received from the local community and our parent body, we can now realise our dream for the new temple.
“The temple lies at the heart of our community. For many, it is an extension of their home, a place for worship, culture, socialising and recreation.
“Our priority is to create a new temple that is outstanding, blending contemporary design with traditional Hindu temple features that will ensure it becomes a landmark building.
“We have assembled a high-calibre design team to guide us through the design and planning process and, over the last six months, we have forged a strong and collaborative partnership with Jason and the team at Recom Solutions, who have navigated us through the procurement, tendering and delivery process.”
Jason McKnight project director for Recom, added: “We are delighted to be given the opportunity to work on this prestigious and ornate scheme, where we can demonstrate to the north west market our expertise in specialist construction delivery.”
The project is due for completion in 2022.
