A Sikh temple at Keilor North, catering for up to 100 followers in the northern suburbs of Brimbank, could open by the end of the year.
The Sikh Cultural Society of Victoria, based in Craigieburn, has applied to Brimbank council for a planning permit to redevelop an existing building it owns on Highland Road, off the Calder Freeway, for congregations, weddings and a “place of worship”.
Society president Sukhdeep Singh Deol told Star Weekly the new temple would accommodate growing numbers of followers from Taylors Lakes, Keilor Downs and Hillside.
“Our numbers have really grown, we weren’t expecting it,” he said. “There are about 50 to 60 families in those areas.”
He said works would begin on redeveloping the existing building as soon as the permit was approved.
“It should take about six months to complete,” Mr Deol said.
Open mainly Sundays (10am until 3pm) and Wednesdays (6pm until 8pm), the temple would also cater for up to eight scheduled weddings on Saturdays this year.
Development plans include a 100-patron prayer hall, an administration area and offices, a dining and meeting hall, kitchen and multi-purpose rooms.
The temple, called a Gudwara or doorway to the guru, will cover more than 900 square metres and offer “religious and social benefits” for people of the Sikh faith.
There will be 42 car spaces.
