The £8 million gurdwara is expected to open in 2010 and has been paid for by fundraising and donations from the congregation.

Member Parminder Singh Birdi said: "It is exciting time and people are starting to become aware that long wait is over and the place is buzzing.

"Just the other day there was an anonymous donation of £5,000 and I think as soon as work starts we will start to see a lot more enthusiasm from the Leamington community."

Committee member Jaspal Singh Bhambra said: "December 9 was an important day for us as it was when an open meeting was called to dispel the difference of opinion that few members had and the congregation unanimously agreed to proceed with the project. "

Contracts with Leamington builders AC Lloyd have now been signed and work is expected to start in the next few weeks. The new gurdwara, which will be built on the temple's existing Queensway site, will have a library, meeting rooms and three prayer halls to meet requirements of its large number of members, weddings and functions.

The current building will remain in use while the project is being completed and will eventually become a community centre.

Before Christmas some 180 families had signed up to help the project and since then the number of donations has continued to rise.

Organisers hope the gurdwara will meet the needs of the 4,500 Sikhs living in Leamington, Kenilworth and Warwick and will also welcome schools and other faiths to visit and learn about Sikhism.

Plans also show a large basement which will be used to house language and music classes.

Mr Birdi believes seeing work begin will be a poignant moment for everyone involved. He added: "This is a very large building project and we are surprised that it is right on schedule. It is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of all volunteers involved."