For many years, it has been brought to both the past and present committees’ attention that the internals of the Mosque & Community Centre needed upgrade works due to age, wear and the greater number of followers using the Mosque in more recent times. The Albanian community now seeks to renovate the mosque, the first in regional Victoria.
With the current layout of the mosque, it is now unable to cater for the increased number of worshippers.
So, an action plan has now been put in place to move forward with redesigned areas to cater for the greater numbers as well as varied use.
A place for events and education within the Community Centre.
Just some of the upgrades will include;
- a new ablution washing station for the worshippers
- new toilets
- newfront entrance/foyer
- removal of some walls
- new carpets
- painting throughout
- lighting
- new community room that can be open or closed to the main prayer room
- upgrade to car park & rear of Mosque building
We are mindful of the original Mosque structure that will remain as is, but will be upgraded internally, with a new coat of paint and some structural maintenance and a new concrete floor, new carpet as well as a new library room.
An overview of the proposed layout is attached for your viewing HERE.
The goal of the Shepparton Albanian Community is to raise the required funds needed to complete the major works. If we indeed raise the required funding, we hope to have it completed late 2021.
To achieve the high standard renovation, we are aiming to achieve a budget target of $500,000. The Shepparton Albanian Community has recently been successful in their application for funding approved by the Victorian Government for $375,000 to assist with these renovations.
When completed, the revised layout will cater for the increased number of worshippers that are now attending the mosque.
We will also have three meeting rooms for future Sunday School, Albanian language classes and a Community Centre that can be open for gatherings & events for the various community groups/organisations using this mosque.
You can read more about this renovation here.
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