Wider community hub at heart of move by Muslim congregation
West Lothian council has backed plans to relocate Bathgate’s mosque into the former council offices at St David House in the town.
In an asset transfer agreed Sarajia Islamic Studies and Community Centre Limited (SISCCL) will also open a community centre, gym and studio and retail space in what is one of the largest commercial buildings in the town.
Assad Tariq told a meeting of the council’s Asset Transfer Committee: “The ground floor of the property will be open to the wider community. This will be for the wider Bathgate community. Our project is not for one culture and faith.”
The redevelopment of the building will also see a cafe reopening and the creation of new retail units in the town’s South Bridge Street.
It’s only the third asset transfer that the council has successfully completed, the last one was the Low Port Centre in Linlithgow last year.
Council officers had recommended that the Community Asset Transfer Committee approve plans to transfer these properties.
SISCCL plan to relocate the current Bathgate Mosque in Whitburn Road to the larger premises at St David House, vacant since October. The Bathgate mosque has been serving the community for 35 years but space limitations restricted prayer space to accommodate 120 for a congregation that is now over 200.
Cllr Alison Adamson apologised for comments posted on social media regarding the proposals. “I am so sorry for some of the comments I read. I was so disgusted and shocked.” Cllr Willie Boyle said: “I am delighted there was the interest in this building we have seen.”