Oxfordshire: Court Place Farm in Marston earmarked for Hindu temple

Oxford Hindu Temple and Community Centre Project (OHTCCP) have reached an agreement in principle with Oxford City Council.

A derelict pavilion and changing rooms facility at Court Place Farm in Marston will be renovated as part of plans for a 26-year lease.

OHTCCP has searched for 14 years for premises and even 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.

The official announcement was made at Holi celebrations over the weekend (Image: Newsquest)

It follows more than three years of negotiations with the city council and a successful bid we made when the building went on the open market last year.

The official announcement was made yesterday by OHTCCP’s vice-chairman Ankit Shukla at Holi celebrations attended by more than 200 people at Rose Hill Community Centre.

Plans for the internal design are due to be submitted this week.

OHTCCP’s chairman Mukesh Shori said “We are deeply grateful to Oxford City Council for approving our bid for the building.

"The planning application for redesign of the inside of the building and change of use will be submitted by our planning consultant later this week.

"We are hopeful that planning permission will be granted and the official exchange of contracts will follow that."

The official announcement was made at Holi celebrations over the weekend (Image: Newsquest)

The building will also be used as a social hub for the elderly and vulnerable, for English language lessons, yoga and well-being classes, music and culture sessions host food kitchens.

Mr Mukesh added: "Apart from providing a place of worship for Hindus, the temple and community centre will continue and accelerate OHTCCP’s longstanding community activism.

"It will host food kitchens open to all, social meetings for the elderly and isolated, English language classes for speakers of other languages, yoga and wellbeing classes and music and cultural sessions among other activities.

"The members and executive committee of OHTCCP thank all who have worked so hard for 14 years to get us to this point.

"This is the beginning of a new journey and we appeal for the continued support of the entire Oxfordshire community as we now embark on this new chapter in the establishment of Oxfordshire’s first Hindu temple and community centre.”