Video cuts from the process of the New Central Gurdwara Glasgow Construction. Waheguru ji ka khalsa Waheguru ji ki fateh On behalf of the committee and sangat of Central Gurdwara Glasgow, it is our great pleasure to announce that the first phase of our new Gurdwara project has begun construction.
PHASE I
Location – The new site occupies a commanding position adjacent to the existing gurdwara on Berkley Street, near the Henry Wood Hall. The site was until recently used as a car park although historically it was part of the Glasgow Eye Infirmary which was destroyed by fire in 1971. Its location in the central Anderston district of the City affords excellent accessibility to the Sikh Community, not only within Glasgow, but also the West of Scotland and Central belt regions.
Why was a new Gurdwara needed?
Thanks to the sense of Sewa, charity of it’s Sangat and the hospitality of the Scots, the existing gurdwara has served our community admirably as a place of worship, community gathering and education over the past twenty-nine years. With God’s grace, our community has now outgrown its facilities, and after wide consultation, careful consideration, planning and support from within the community and the City of Glasgow we felt that what was needed purpose-built Gurdwara, which will continue to fulfil existing roles and provide exciting new facilities for our emerging generations. There are already robust revenue plans in place to ensure future sustainability.
Details of the New Building and how it will benefit us
There are about 10,000 Sikhs in Scotland, most of them in Glasgow, and the new Gurdwara will be a community centre, an educational resource centre and of course a place of worship. So as well as the temple, the building will also accommodate classrooms, a library, and offices. Ultimately to be built in 2 phases, the phase 1 construction is for the striking main building. Made from polished limestone, it will also support a stunning domed roof section with the main dome made of glass-reinforced plastic.
The New Car Park
Construction has already begun with the excavation of the ground to make way for the underground car park. Offering a total of 257 car parking spaces will also be provided over three floors in the temple, there is a huge amount of space and will be made available to the general public when not required to accommodate worshippers. The architectural plans for the car park can be seen by clicking the images below.
How much it cost?
Phase I was projected to cost £6 Million and involves the creation of the ‘Main Building’. Thanks to your generosity, over the years, we have already raised a substantial amount, however with rising costs across the board, to ensure this project comes to fruition within the next 12-18 months, we are required to raise a further £l million. And to do this we all need to help.
PHASE II
Apart from the direct benefits of the additional facilities mentioned above, we see this as a unique opportunity to construct a landmark building in a city already steeped in architectural heritage and enriched by its diverse cultural influences. To create a place that welcomes and benefits all and will stand hundreds of years from now as a testament to the hard work and commitment to humanity that forms the crux of our religion. Mr Malik – chairman of the West of Scotland Racial Equality Council – said: “This will be a religious building so it will be down to the people who believe in the faith to put the money together. I have every confidence they will bring this together very quickly. Glasgow is famed for its outstanding religious buildings, such as its ancient Cathedral, the Central Mosque and its ‘Greek’ Thomson churches. The Sikh temple will be a fitting and flamboyant addition to these buildings, and a major addition to the city. Letters of support have been sent in from a whole host of communities, not just the Sikh community, who are keen to see this go forward.”
For the Scottish Community as a Whole
We hope the project itself will bestow a great sense of pride upon both the Sikh and non-Sikh communities in Scotland, particularly in Glasgow. To extend our commitment to the ‘Interfaith’ message, we welcome participation from the wider community, irrespective of culture or background. The Initiation of Construction Ceremony itself was groundbreaking, with representatives from all Faiths.
