• In 2015, the cost of renting this facility was increased by almost 4 fold – from £100 per day to £378 per day – because the rent was now being calculated on an hourly basis.
•Akhand Path, which used to cost £300, is now £3,500. Costs will continue to increase. This is ‘lost’ revenue.
• The current premises are linked to Camberley Theatre and in 2016, after a change in management of the theatre, an issue arose about use of the kitchen, by the theatre to cook meat at the time that the kitchen was being hired and used by the Sikh community. This was disputed and the issue was settled in favour of the Sikh community. We may face similar challenges in the future.
• In 2021, the kitchen was condemned by the council because the extractor fan was considered not to comply with current regulations. Without access to a kitchen, langar was cooked in the homes of sevadars, until finally an agreement was reached with the council to make the necessary upgrade so that the kitchen can be in use again. This Sikh community contributed £10,700 towards the cost.
• Given the increasing population (there are up to 1000 Sikh residents in Surrey Heath alone), a Gurdwara in Surrey would enable all the residents to join together as a local community, in an area close to where they live, to regularly participate in worship, celebrate festivals and other special events. This would be especially supportive and beneficial for individuals who face challenges in terms of travelling e.g. The nearest Gurdwara to Surrey Heath is in Slough, 17 miles away.
First step: To raise £750,000 by 1st October 2025