An Islamic charity is bidding to turn a former pub into a religious education centre and community hall.
Glasgow City Council has received a planning application from the Islamic Centre Scotstoun which requests permission to change the use of the old Rendezvous premises on Burnham Road.
“We are a small charity and are keen to provide a facility to Muslim residents who have arrived and are settling in this area,” a letter to the council states.
The charity wants to open a “community centre for the advancement of education and a praying hall”, the application adds.
The community centre would be open from 11am to 7pm, with the prayer hall “only to be used for small congregations before sunrise til sunset”. “Prayers usually last for 15 to 20 minutes, it says.
Car parking spaces would be provided for around 40 vehicles if the applicant gets permission.
The letter continues: “We are a small organisation operating in Scotstoun providing the Muslim community with educational and social activities.
“We also provide services to new arrivals from non-English speaking countries (asylum seeker, refugee) and help with learning English, providing assistance, social activities and prayer facilities.
“In the month of Ramadan we provide meals at the end of fast in the evening. Our primary focus is the advancement of education for children.”
A JustGiving page set up by the applicant says there is no other facility in the area providing these services. It adds the new space will accommodate all and “serve our diverse and multi-ethnic community”.
The proposal is currently being assessed by the council’s planning department, with a decision expected in the coming months.
