The approval of plans for a new permanent Hindu temple and community centre has been welcomed by city councillors.
The council owned sports pavilion at Court Place Farm in Marston will be converted into a temple and community centre.
The plans were given the green light in a council meeting but are subject to the finalisation of details on the lease.
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Shaista Aziz, city councillor and cabinet member for safer communities, said: “Oxfordshire’s Hindu community have been working hard to establish a permanent base of their own for many years and the approval of this planning application is great news for all the campaigners and fundraisers who have got the project to this point.
“The city council will now focus on finalising the details of the lease so we can all look forward to the new centre opening and starting to deliver community benefit."
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The search for a permanent location for the temple has lasted 14 years and an agreement in principle was finally reached in March.
The changing rooms facility will be renovated as part of plans for a 26-year lease.
Linda Smith, city councillor and cabinet member for housing, said: “I’m absolutely delighted that another milestone in the foundation of the new Hindu Temple and Community Centre has been reached.
“The old football changing rooms at Court Place Farm have been unused and derelict for many years and the newly approved plans propose to make fantastic use of the site, creating Oxfordshire’s only Hindu Temple as well as a community hub offering activities to the wider public."
Dr Gian Gopal, founding chairman of the Oxford Hindu Temple Project, said: "We feel extraordinarily proud at this historic moment as we look forward to creating a welcoming hub at Court Place Farm which will strengthen community cohesion, widen participation & serve the local community with activities, workshops & an inclusive community place once all details are finalised."
OHTCCP set up a petition signed by almost 7000 people calling on Oxfordshire’s district and county councils to work with the community to find a place for the temple and community centre.
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After three years of negotiations with the city council and a successful bid was made when the building went on the open market last year.
The building will also be used as a social hub which will be used for a range of community projects.
In March, OHTCCP’s chairman Mr Mukesh said: "Apart from providing a place of worship for Hindus, the temple and community centre will continue and accelerate OHTCCP’s longstanding community activism.”
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