A £10 MILLION project to build Accrington's first Islamic school has been launched.
Residents in Spring Hill have been approached by fundraisers for the Iqra Education and Sports Facility project.
A website has been set up asking for donations for the project, headed by Iqra, which is run by the Safa Trust, already teach Arabic and Islamic studies at Spring Hill Community Centre on Exchange Street.
The website says for the Iqra Education and Sports Facility Project: “An 8,000 Muslim Population - zero Islamic Schools. Our vision is to build the first Islamic school.”
Mufti Ahmed, on behalf of the Safa Trust said the project was still in its early stages.
He said: “Our plan is to build an Islamic ethos educational and sports facility which is open to all. We want to promote faith, excellence, tolerance, integration, respect and well-being through education and sports. We cannot discuss any details at present because it is still too early.
“Everything depends on the needs and demands of the community after extensive consultation and surveys, which has yet to take place. Taking these mutual factors into consideration, this project is many years away from completion.
“Whatever has been advertised for fundraising are only ideas put forward by the local community towards a more prosperous and virtuous society. We will work positively with the local community to ensure that this will provide excellent and equal opportunities for everyone.”
Spring Hill councillor Munsif Dad said it was a very ambitious project.
He said: “It's a building that has been purchased by a consortium of people and they have an ambitious programme to put a project together. I would suggest the first thing they need to do is consult the local authority about the planning side of it and then the community to see if the need is there to pursue it. It's a very ambitious project obviously subject to need and planning.
“I know quite a number of parents do send their children to Blackburn to get that sort of education so there is some sort of need but in terms of how many people would benefit from it I'm not aware at this moment.
“It's a huge amount of money they are talking about talking about £10 million so good luck to them. I'd like to know a bit more about it and any advice or assistance I can give I'd be happy to give.”
The website says the project could include a nursery, a religious school, a primary and secondary school and adult learning.
Hyndburn Council confirmed it had not been approached about the project.
