A NEW Muslim religious education and worship centre described as 'a statement piece of architecture' is set to be built in Blackburn.

The Bayt Muhammad Academy's proposed new two-storey seminary and prayer hall would cater for 7,500 followers of the Shafi'i Madhab section of the Islamic community.

It would be built on an 'unkempt' piece of vacant land on the corner of Eleanor Street and Higher Audley Street near the town centre.

Blackburn with Darwen Council's planning committee has been recommended to approve the scheme with 26 conditions and a payment of £40,000 for a new pedestrian/cycle crossing across Higher Audley Street.

The proposed building would be the first such institution in the borough dedicated to serving the Shafi'i Madhab community.

An officer's report to councillors says: "The application site is a vacant piece of land that is located within the settlement of Blackburn.

"The site is currently scrubbed over and appears unkempt.

"The proposed development involves the construction of a new two-storey religious education seminary for up to 150 students and 11 staff members.

"A new ramped access point would be formed from Eleanor Street together with an undercroft parking area.

"The proposals would form a statement piece of architecture owing to the use of a contemporary design and varied palette of external construction materials.

"The seminary building would be externally finished in grey and buff bricks and zinc cladding. Black aluminium doors and windows are also proposed.

"Ornate metal panels would be installed in areas to form balustrades and a ventilation grille for the undercroft parking area.

"Students would be over 16 years old, with the majority (90 per cent) of students expected to be aged between 16 and 22 years old.

"Classes would take place between 17:00 and 20:00, with student arrivals spread over this period.

"Classrooms, an auditorium/canteen and supporting facilities would be provided on the ground floor.

"Further classrooms and an assembly hall would be provided on the first floor.

"A first floor terrace area would be formed from the east elevation with access gained from classroom nine.

"The proposals involve the delivery of a new educational building, which would allow the existing facilities within the borough to be expanded.

"The site also benefits from an accessible location being positioned within walking distance of the town centre and regular public transport links."