NEW ZEALAND, August 10,2012 (stuff.co.nz): A new community centre will be key to linking West Aucklanders with the local Indian community, says the president of the Shri Ram Mandir Charitable Trust. About 500 people witnessed the ground breaking and blessing ceremony at the site of the future community centre and temple on Brick St. in Henderson.
The trust’s president Pravin Kumar aims to build a place where people can pray in the temple and learn about Indian culture as well as creating a place where the community can congregate regardless of race or religion. The two-story building will include a temple and hall on the top floor and a community centre on the ground floor. The basement will be a parents room.
The project is expected to cost $3.5 million, with $1m going toward land acquisition and consents. The community centre will be able to cater to around 500 people and is expected to be completed within 18 months.