Wolverhampton's Guru Nanak Sikh temple given go-ahead for expansion
Plans for a huge three-storey expansion of the largest Sikh temple in Wolverhampton have been approved.
The Guru Nanak Sikh Temple will build the striking new heritage centre next to its Gurdwara on the corner of Duncan Street and Sedgley Street in Blakenhall, revamping the site with a new glass dome, stone archways and feature windows.
Planners at Wolverhampton council have approved a planning application, paving the way for work to start.
The new building will completely transform the site.
Blakenhall councillor Harbans Singh Bagri welcome the planning approval.
He said: "I am quite pleased the planners like the application. It is a combination of traditional and new designs coming together and is something which the Blakenhall ward would benefit from so I am quite happy to see this new building because it will be a statement for the people that have lived here for generations.
"It will also be a focal point for visitors who come a distance to come and shop in the Blakenhall area.
"The Gurdwara provides a platform for people to come and visit the area and I think it will complement the local traders in the community.
"I think it will supplement the evening and weekend footfall which will be a great thing for the traders."
The heritage centre will provide an 'educational learning facility', exhibition space and a new entrance and lobby to the existing Gurdwara.
The new building would have a central atrium, offices, a feature hall and reception, a basement conference room for up to 160 people, storage, an education space, library and a viewing area to accommodate wheelchair users and the frail in the main prayer room.
The glass dome will have a diameter of almost 30ft and plans say it will allow light to penetrate into the core of the building 'adding drama to the central atrium'.
The plans had received an objection from a resident in Barcroft Road on the grounds that the access road will be unable to cope with traffic, it affects the right of way, the level of existing on street parking, inadequate parking provision and an increase in traffic.
A comment left by the objector said: "I object to the proposed extension of the Gurdwara due to the lack of parking facilities provided by the temple for visitors in access of 200/300 causing parking issues with local residents, local businesses and a school, blocking access to residential properties streets and surrounding roads with cars / coaches blocking access to residents houses and using residents private car parks."
