Work at Shree Swaminarayan Temple, Oldham 'progressing at high speed'

Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Copsterhill Road in Oldham is set to be completed next July.

Oldham West and Royton MP Jim McMahon and council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah, visited the site this week, where they met with construction workers who updated them about how the project is going.

The political leaders were left impressed by the quality of the work being carried out on the project.

The temple is being built on land where a former housing association depot stood.

It will feature a spacious and naturally-lit modern prayer hall, space for sports, events and teaching, a courtyard with landscaped gardens, parking and accommodation.

It is being funded through donations from the community as well as supporters across the world.

PLANS: How the temple is expected to look

PROGRESS: Mr McMahon inside the building

Mr McMahon said: "It was a pleasure to attend a visit to the Shree Swaminarayan Temple construction site with council leader, Cllr Arooj Shah this week.

"It has been two years since we met at the new temple site on Copsterhill Road at the groundbreaking ceremony in 2019.

"However, when Covid hit it led to delays in the project.

"Contractors started on the site in July 2020 and work has been progressing at high speed.

"They aim to have the property watertight by September with the opening planned for July 2022.

"The quality of the materials, the attention to detail and the thought put into the facilities, which will include a community hall for all events including sports is impressive."

TALKS: Mr McMahon speaks to a construction worker

Mr McMahon believes the temple will be an iconic part of the borough when it is completed.

He added: "This will undoubtedly be a landmark building which will serve the Indian community and beyond for generations to come.

"Well done to all involved."

Recom Solutions, based at Trafford Park, is the main contractor for the scheme.