Sikh Society MK

General information

This is the first Gurdwara in the west to be named in remembrance of the martyrdom of Baba Zorawar Singh Ji and Baba Fateh Singh Ji on 26th of December 1706. They were the youngest sons of Sri Guru Gobind Singh Ji Maharaj, who laid the foundations of the Sikh faith and the principle by which Sikhism thrives today

WHY LOSE YOUR FAITH TO SAVE YOUR LIFE?
FAITH LIVES WITH YOU, EVEN AFTER YOU DIE

The Sikh Society of Milton Keynes (SSMK) was formed in 1979 and was registered as a non-profit making Charity in 1982 (Registration No 284603). The aims were to provide a much needed religious, cultural, social and educational service for the Sikh community in Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

In the early years the Sikh Community started holding monthly congregations in a hired community hall to satisfy their religious, spiritual and social needs. The frequency of the services increased to weekly as the demand and members of the congregation grew. On prominent Sikh festival days in the calendar year school halls used to be hired to accommodate the significant increase in the congregation.

In 1982 SSMK embarked upon a search for land to build a purpose built Gurdwara to cater for the needs of the Sikh community in the short and long term as Milton Keynes expanded. The number of Sikh families in Milton Keynes and immediate (10 mile radius) catchments then totalled approximately 150. The current figures are in the region of 300 families and increasing as Milton Keynes expands.

The first application for the land for the Gurdwara was made to the Milton Keynes Development Corporation (MKDC) in 1982. It took over ten years of difficult and strenuous negotiations with MKDC to finally obtain the land at Leadenhall (Off V6 Grafton Street). An offer was made in 1987 and was subject to the approval of the design and development proposals.

The design was finally approved in October 1990. The purchase of the two 2.22 acres land with a development area of 2 acres was secured at a special rate as land designated for community use. The purchase price of £50,000 was raised by the local Sikh community. SSMK signed the Land Development Agreement in April of 1991 and took possession of the site in April of 1992.

Since 1992 the Milton Keynes community had been contributing to a stop start self-build program to build a Gurdwara and Community Centre in two phases, phase 1 and phase 2 respectively and despite the best endeavours by the committees over the years there was no deliverable in site. The condition upon which the original land agreement had been signed stated that the first phase of the building project was to be completed by 2005. This date was re-negotiated in November 2004 for an extension up to 2009 and if the first phase was not completed by then, then MKDC would take the land back.

The committee elected in April 2005 resolved to have a full review of the project and spend to date. The original design was too grand in the scheme of things and was in excess of the community needs. It had become apparent in a short space of time that without a loan the first phase of project could not be delivered. An eleven step project plan was put in place that led up to the redesigning of the steel structure that was standing in 2005, resubmission of planning approval and tendering for the build project.

After a successful tendering, the program of works was started in September 2006 with a completion date of July 2007. Due to inclement weather the project had been set back by 4 months and will finally be completed in November 2007.

The Gurdwara was officially opened on the 4th of November 2007 by Sant Baba Jagjit Singh Ji Harkowal wale and accommodates approximately 450 worshippers whilst the community kitchen/ dining hall which is open to all accommodates 200+ people in any one sitting.

The building was redesigned by Sutton and Wilkinson Architects and boasts some of the most modern design features in terms of space, light, heating and energy efficiency. Theoretically there are usually three elements to any successful build project, on time, within budget and aesthetically pleasing but in reality usually one element gives way.
We are pleased that although the project ran late the end result has been well received; the building you now stand in has been the result of generous contributions from the Sikh community within Milton Keynes as well as supporters from outside.

Main Entrance
The main entrance at the front of the building is used by members of the congregation, employees, visitors and working staff to enter the Gurdwara building. The Entrance Lobby is the area where all shoes are removed and heads are covered. The toilet facilities are also situated in this area. There are two sets of double doors that lead directly into the Langar Hall and to the right or left there is access to the Main Diwan on the first floor. In the centre of the right stair well there is a lift service for those who find it difficult to negotiate the stairs.

Visitors
Group visits are arranged by prior arrangements, however all visitors are welcome at all times. When entering the building all shoes must be removed and safely placed in the shoe cabinets provided and heads must be covered at all times. The Host is responsible to make their visitors aware of the building emergency procedures including emergency exits and fire assembly points.

Disabled Facilities
The ground floor entrance lobby has a disabled toilet with an emergency alarm fitted in the event of an emergency situation. The best policy is not to panic and help will be organized immediately. Please ensure that you inform the Prabhandak committee of any visitors you have that may have special needs or require assistance, so that appropriate arrangements can be made in the event of an emergency evacuation and parking requirements.

Transport (Taxis, Buses, Trains)
From Central MK Rail Station the Gurdwara is a 5 minute taxi ride or 30 minute walk, just follow signs towards Oldbrook and Leadenhall. From M1 Junction 14 take exit marked Milton Keynes city centre from either slip road from both northerly and southerly directions. Proceed along H6 Childs Way following the dual carriageway until you reach V6 Grafton Street roundabout. From here take a left and drive to the next round about, go straight over the roundabout and the Gurdwara is located immediately in front on the left hand side. Milton Keynes train station – for details of train times contact: 08457 484950 For Taxi service call: Speedline on 01908 260 260 The no 39 bus from City Centre bus stop Q3 will bring you direct to Leadenhall

Congregation Members/Visitors Parking
Please drive slowly on the Gurdwara premises and park in the open spaces at the front or rear of the building Leave parking spaces clear near to the main entrance for the disabled Please note that, all vehicles parked are at the owner’s risk.

Overnight Parking
If you plan to leave your vehicle in the Gurdwara car park overnight, prior approval must be sought from the Prabhandak Committee.