The Old Library, Nelson, could be turned into Islamic education centre

The Old Library, which dates back to the early 1900s, was a library until 1974 when it became offices for the newly formed Pendle Council.

The Grade II listed Edwardian building in Booth Street, Nelson, has since undergone a £1.2million restoration project through a joint venture between Pendle Council and Banfield Investment properties.

Improvements to the building have included restoring original features such as oak doors, hand-crafted plaster fruit mouldings and a mosaic floor and it is currently used as offices.

But an application has now been submitted to convert the existing office building into an education centre and offices.

The centre will be run by the Burnley-based IMAM organisation, a registered charity whose purpose is to educate young Muslim children and adults.

A design and access statement submitted as part of the application by Mr Yaqoob reads: “This application is being submitted to seek approval for a change of use to convert the building.

“The centre will be run by IMAM organisation; this is a registered charity whose purpose is to educate children and young adults.

“The organisation provides education outside school hours in the evenings and weekends.

“The centre will be mainly run by volunteers but there will be one full-time employee.

The centre would provide education outside school hours in the evenings and weekends and could teach up to 60 children.

The statement added: “The number of children attending the centre is expected to be 20 and 30 in the early stages and is likely to rise between 50 to 60 students.

“The organisation has eight experienced adult volunteers that will be available to take up classes. All these volunteers are DBS checked.

“During the day there will be drop-in sessions for the local community.

“The numbers are not expected to exceed 20.”

Pendle Councillor Joe Cooney welcomed the plans.

Cllr Cooney said: “Any use of an old building is welcome.”