Wolverhampton temple’s learning centre plans approved
Plans to build a Sikh learning centre to teach young congregation members of a Wolverhampton temple have been given the go-ahead.
Guru Nanak Gurdwara, in Wednesfield, has been granted permission to convert disused adjacent offices on Albert Squire Road into the facility.
The two-storey learning centre will feature eight classrooms, a kitchen, toilets, storage facilities and a service room, as well as 12 dedicated parking spaces.
There will also be space for a retail shop as well as a two-bedroom flat, which the temple says would suit a small family
As well as holding Punjabi classes and teaching about Sikh heritage, the temple committee said it would also use the space for meetings.
The offices were previously a family advice centre and were owned by Wolverhampton Council, before being taken over by the temple, which says the development will benefit young people.
In the application, Balbinder Singh Bajwa, for Guru Nanak Gurdwara, said: “The existing building was owned by the council prior to its new ownership of Guru Nanak Gurdwara.
“It will be used as ancillary to the main temple building for Punjabi/religious classes and sometimes occasionally will be used for committee meetings.
“The Punjabi classes is proposed to be held approximately three days a week and would last three to four hours a day.
“The aim of the project is to teach the youth Punjabi classes/culture and make them aware of Sikhism to its roots. This will help the youth to integrate with others and learn the social skills.”
Wolverhampton Council planning officer Colin Noakes said: “The proposed use will bring this vacant building back into and acceptable use.
“The proposal will allow the adjacent temple to provide enhanced facilities for its users.”
