Islamic academy bid for southside

Plans to create the centre involve accomodating the Islamic Academy of Scotland (IAS) in Pollokshields bowling club.

United Wholesale Scotland have submitted the plans to Glasgow city council.

Approval is being sought only for the building and not the grounds — meaning the bowling green will not be touched.

Shahid Ali, spokesman from James Lang Lasalle, planning consultants for the company, said the proposal would benefit all of the community.

He told The Extra: "It will have classes for the elderly and a counselling service on offer. It will be a community facility and will be able to be used by everyone".

The proposal details plans for a recreational facility providing Arabic classes, religious counselling, art activities and an Islamic reference library service.

Its hours of operation will be 8am to 8pm, seven days a week.

Currently, the bowling club is unoccupied because of falling membership and was sold the United Wholesale Scotland.

IAS is currently sited on Keir Street and was founded in 1998 as a non-profitable, charitable organization.

It will continue running the school on Keir Street but will also be based in the bowling club.

On its website it says: "The academy's main purpose is to promote the peaceful practice of Islam amongst Muslims by creating an understanding and education for people in Scotland.

"We wish to create a better understanding of Islam among the Muslim and the wider non-muslim community".

But local councillor David Meikle has raised concerns over the plans.

He said: "Unfortunately there has been no pre-application discussion with all elected members or local groups like the Nan McKay hall.

"Questions have been asked about the need for another religious school in the area when other community facilities are in need of a new building".

A GCC spokeswoman confirmed it had receieved the application.