Project BiCC

STAGE 1: Divided in to 3 sub-stages

Stage 1a and 1b:  Multipurpose building ( 474m² area) and Small Carpark

This stage includes large multipurpose room, classrooms (for weekend school), Kitchen and ablution areas and toilet facilities for male and females.

A multipurpose hall with a kitchen, classrooms, and ablution area has several advantages, including:

1. Versatility: The multipurpose hall can be used for various events, such as, conferences, small gatherings, multifaith meetings, family and women only gatherings.
2. Convenience: The presence of a kitchen and ablution area can provide a more convenient and comfortable experience for attendees of events. Easy to cater a gathering and provide enough space to perform ablution and prayer.
3. Education: The classrooms to be used for Sunday school (Circle of Light Bendigo (BCol), providing opportunities for learning and growth.
4. Space-saving: Having multiple facilities in one building can save space compared to having separate buildings for each purpose.
5. Cost-effective: Combining multiple facilities into one building can be more cost-effective in terms of construction, maintenance, and utilities.
6. Kitchen facilities on each level provide opportunity to cater for events and also provide café facilities.

Stage 1c: Double Story Masjid (Mosque, area 720m²) for men and women and Minaret.

This is the first Mosque in Bendigo. 375 Muslims can pray at a time, we believe, this masjid will have multiple advantages for diverse the Muslim community including:

1. Religious fulfillment: The prayer hall provides a space for Muslims to fulfill their religious obligations and practice their faith.
2. Community gathering: The prayer hall can serve as a gathering place for the Muslim community, promoting social cohesion and a sense of belonging.
3. Cultural preservation: The prayer hall can provide a space for preserving and promoting Muslim culture and traditions.
4. Education: The prayer hall can provide opportunities for religious education and learning, fostering spiritual growth and development in a larger setting.
5. Peaceful environment: The prayer hall can provide a peaceful and respectful environment for worship and reflection, promoting spiritual, mental and emotional well-being.
6. Increased accessibility: The prayer hall can provide a convenient and accessible place for Muslims to practice their religion, reducing barriers and promoting inclusiveness.

STAGE 2: Divided in 2 sub-stages

Stage 2a: Central Courtyard (500m²)

Connecting all stages and providing a central point for the entire facility

The benefits of having a central courtyard connecting the prayer hall, sports centre, and multipurpose hall are:

1. Encourages community gathering: The courtyard can serve as a gathering place for members of the wider community, providing an open space for social interaction and community events.
2. Provides a central location: With the prayer hall, sports centre, and multipurpose hall all connected by the courtyard, individuals can easily access all of the facilities without having to travel far.
3. Increases accessibility: Having a central location with multiple facilities makes it easier for individuals with limited mobility to access different activities and services.
4. Enhances aesthetics: The courtyard can provide a pleasant and attractive outdoor space, enhancing the overall look and feel of the facilities.
5. Supports community events: The courtyard can be used for community events such as festivals (EID and iftar), markets and outdoor activities, further promoting social interaction and a sense of community.
6. The Central courtyard pays homage to historical mosques around the world where the courtyard is a focal part for the Islamic Centre where the community comes together.

Stage 2b: Funeral Services facility and Library

We believe the first Muslim funeral centre can serve the community in many ways:

1. Cultural sensitivity: The funeral centre can provide a culturally sensitive environment for Muslim families to grieve and conduct funeral rituals, respecting their beliefs and customs.
2. Convenience: The funeral centre can provide a convenient and accessible location for funeral services, reducing the stress and burden on families during a difficult time.
3. Religious compliance: The funeral centre can ensure that funeral services are conducted in accordance with Islamic traditions and laws, promoting spiritual comfort and satisfaction.
4. Increased accessibility: The funeral centre can provide a centralized location for funeral services, making them more accessible for members of the Muslim community.
5. Professionalism: The funeral centre can provide professional and experienced staff to assist with funeral arrangements and services, promoting a smooth and dignified process.
6. Cost savings: The funeral centre can offer cost-effective funeral services, reducing the financial burden on families during a difficult time.
7. Library will provide Islamic resources for use for the entire Bendigo Community to come and learn about Islam and its culture.

Stage 3 Indoor Sports Hall and Stadium, with Cafe (1075m²⁾

This important facility can have long term benefits.

1. Multipurpose: An indoor sports hall stadium and cafe can serve multiple purposes, providing a place for physical activity, social interaction, and dining.
2. Inclusive environment: By offering a facility for both Muslim and other communities, individuals from different backgrounds can come together to participate in activities, fostering a sense of inclusiveness and community.
3. Convenient location: An indoor sports hall and cafe located within the same facility can provide convenience for individuals who want to participate in physical activity and grab a bite to eat.
4. Year-round activity: An indoor sports hall can offer opportunities for physical activity regardless of weather conditions, providing a space for individuals to participate in sports and fitness activities throughout the year.
5. Boosts local economy: A sports hall and cafe can provide jobs and stimulate economic activity in the surrounding area, benefiting the local community.
6. It also provides a facility for the youth and the community in general to come and participate in sports to maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle.
7. Th sports stadium is a large facility where it can hose large gatherings during religious and cultural festivals such as Ramadan and Eid.

Car park

Around 150 carparks are essential part of the project and occupancy permit condition.

With this modern and multipurpose facility, the car park plays an important role.

1. Convenient access: A mosque car park provides convenient and accessible parking for individuals attending religious services and events.
2. Reduced street parking: By offering designated parking on the mosque grounds, it reduces the amount of street parking, reducing traffic congestion and improving safety for local residents.
3. Increased safety: Having a designated car park for the mosque and the centre in general reduces street parking and provides safe access to the centre..
4. Supports large events: A car park can accommodate large numbers of vehicles during events and services, reducing the need for individuals to park on the street and potentially creating traffic congestion.
5. Improved environment: Providing a car park reduces the amount of vehicle traffic on the surrounding streets, minimising impact to the local neighbourhood.