The New Deepdale Hotel will be no more if plans are approved

A former Preston pub could become a new Islamic studies centre to cope with growing demand in the city.

The New Deepdale Hotel on St George’s Road, Deepdale, was sold to the Al-Ansaar Welfare and Educ ation Group in June for £350,000.

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The pub is Grade II listed and was a popular drinking hole for Preston North End fans before the game.

It is now set to be converted into an education centre providing evening classes to young Islamic men.

A report to council officers from architects Cassidy Ashton states there is a lack of places for 14-20 year old men to attend evening classes.

Al-Answer already run one education centre on Garstang Road.

The report states: “The education centre will run classes for various age groups with a maximum of 15 pupils in each. Classes will run in the evening from 4.30pm until 9.30pm with each class lasting up to 45 minutes.

“The latter part of the session will be for tutorials and one-to-one support. In the mornings, the premises will be used for administrative support and operational matters.

“It is clear that the proposed works are an appropriate form of development on this site and will have no negative impact upon the local streetscene or application site and will address local need.”

The plans are now with the council and are not due to be heard at the planning committee.

Anyone wishing to comment on the plans can view them on the council website and comment there or email devcon@preston.gov.uk quoting reference number 06/2013/0433.

Do you live in the area? Would you attend the education centre? Let us know in the comments below