THE former Co-op and petrol station near Slough town centre could be replaced by a new community centre.

The Slough Islamic Trust has submitted a planning application to redevelop the site on 79-83 Uxbridge Road for a new community and educational facility with two levels of car parking linked to the Diamond Road Mosque.

The proposed three-storey building will be used as a ‘support service’ for the Mosque and will consist of four classrooms, two larger communal teaching spaces, ancillary breakout spaces, toilets, and a small kitchenette.

An estimated 80 users will be in the building at any one time and it is anticipated between six to 12 people will use the classrooms and 18 for the communal teaching spaces.

READ MORE: Slough avoids being put on government's coronavirus watchlist

Slough Observer:

Four to six teachers will be employed if the scheme is given the green light.

The vehicular access has been proposed to be provided from Diamond Road with an exit onto Uxbridge Road.

The former petrol filling station site – which is approximately 1100m2 – has been demolished and was used temporarily over the years for parking spaces, a car hire facility, tyre fitting, and vehicle storage.

It currently hosts a hand car washing business.

READ MORE: River boat blaze at Eton under railway bridge

In the design and access statement, it states the scheme will make “positive contribution” to the Uxbridge Road and Diamond Road as it will transform an “unused” brownfield site.

It states: “The proposal will significantly improve the services that the Mosque can offer to the local community which has grown considerably over years.”

The application can be viewed on the council’s planning portal with the reference code: P/01303/018.