London  February 26, 2014: The Maninagar-based Shree Swaminarayan Gadi Sansthan is all set to redevelop McNicholas House, a heritage property, into a modern temple in the Kingsbury borough of London by August this year.

The temple, constructed at a cost of £20 million by London-based support group Shree Swaminarayan Siddhant Sajivan Mandal is being developed on land once owned by the Queen of England.

“The land on which the temple is being built was formerly owned by the Queen of England. It is said that the land housed a mint. The organization acquired the land years ago. We expect the property in redevelopment to be the epicentre of cultural and community activities. The pran-pratistha ceremony for the temple will take place in August,” said Swami Bhagwatpriyadasji, a religious leader of the community.

The move came when the local Swaminarayan community felt that the existing temple at Golers Green, Willesden, was too cramped to house the large number of visitors. The community was utilizing an old church that had been redesigned as a temple in 1981. They received McNicholas House in exchange for these premises.

Community leaders said British architects and designers are helping blend the modernity with the requirements of a Hindu temple in the new property. An architectural marvel, the temple will use materials and technologies used for the London Olympic Village.

The authorities said that the community space will be used for charitable, educational and health the activities apart from providing a multi-sports complex for the local community.