Faith leaders and guests mark the opening of Oasis
Oasis, the University of Central Lancashire’s (UCLan) much anticipated new multi-faith and spirituality centre, has officially opened.
At a celebratory opening ceremony, local faith representatives, as well as those from current religious societies affiliated to the Students’ Union, members of the UCLan Chaplaincy team both present and past joined a host of guests representing the University’s diverse community.
The centre, which is located on Kirkham Street, has been created to provide a space for religious and non-religious groups and individuals to come together in a spirit of community, wellbeing and faith.
Sana Iqbal, Students’ Union President, who had worked to see the new centre created said: “Oasis is an inclusive space for people to use as they wish. It’s primarily student focused, but it’s also about inviting the community in, so it opens up opportunities to increase dialogue between local religious and community groups. Oasis is the product of years of student campaigning to improve faith facilities on campus and I’m hopeful the building will also be a vehicle for enhancing cohesion throughout the city.”
Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas added: “Oasis is a fantastic testament to the multi-faith work being done here at the University. We will encourage our students, staff and neighbours to come together and celebrate in their own faith, learn about others and support each other.
"Oasis is an inclusive space for people to use as they wish. It’s primarily student focused, but it’s also about inviting the community in, so it opens up opportunities to increase dialogue between local religious and community groups."
“The centre offers the opportunity to take a break from study and from work in an environment conducive to improving well-being, developing friendships and discussing faith and community issues.”
Pro-Chancellor and Chair of the UCLan Board David Taylor said: “These really are transformational facilities and represent another completed piece in our £200 million Masterplan development.”
Oasis will be open seven days a week from 7.30am until midnight. It will provide its users with a multi-faith prayer room for worship, prayer and spiritual reflection, meditation room and roof garden. It will also house a library and a drop-in facility.
The Oasis centre was partially designed and developed by F. Parkinson Ltd. following development of the original UCLan design by architectural practice Cassidy and Ashton.
*Chair of the UCLan Board David Taylor, Students’ Union President Sana Iqbal, UCLan Vice-Chancellor Professor Mike Thomas and student ambassador Connor Milne at the official opening of Oasis Multi-faith and Spirituality Centre.