THE construction of a new £5million Hindu temple in Oldham has reached a milestone with the completion of its foundations and steel frame and the start of external brickwork.

Cladding and roofing work on the site is due to begin soon as the project nears the halfway stage. The Shree Swaminarayan Temple on Copsterhill Road is due for completion next year.

Recom Solutions, based at Trafford Park, is the main contractor for the scheme.

Representatives from Recom were among the guests at a community ceremony to bless the bricks as the latest stage of the project began.

Recom has appointed subcontractors for various parts of the project. They include BIAD Civils for ground works, TW Fabrications for steelworks, McCrory Brickwork, Primeseal Roofing, Spectrum Building Envelopes & Facades and PCS for glass reinforced concrete.

The temple is being built on the site of a former housing association depot.

Once completed, the temple will feature a spacious and naturally-lit modern prayer hall, space for sports, events and teaching, a courtyard with landscaped gardens, parking and accommodation.

It is being funded through donations from the local community as well as supporters nationwide and internationally.

Recom’s team is led by project director Jason McKnight alongside Josh Marrs and Jordan Stent.

Jason said: “This prestigious scheme remains on track and it’s great to see the development taking shape with the completion of the foundations and the steel frame.

“We are thrilled to have reached the latest milestone with the commencement of the brickwork, and it was a pleasure to be part of the joyous ceremony which marked this stage of the scheme.

“Working on the temple is a great honour. We are thrilled to have been selected for this building project and continue our great working relationship with the Hindu community.”