Actually, the increased space makes alot of sense.
They're planning not only for current needs, but future needs as well. That is a common planning strategy for many corporations and civic groups. The article also mentioned that they plan to rent space to other groups as well. Probably local clubs and such. Many churches do this here in the US. (I'm not saying they're a religion. Just as a comparison.)
Not to be funny - but have you ever been a scientologist? I am asking because if you had been a scientologist you would know that such future planning is not part of Scientology planning.
Let me go over why this whole thing would be a huge boon to critics and huge shot in the foot for Scientology. Bear with me.
Why is there even a Scientology Church in Plymouth? Much bigger cities like Liverpool, Glasgow, Leeds, Bristol, Cardiff,Newcastle do not have orgs - why does this city? Not a result of any planning that is for sure.
Plymouth Org has always been small - and I am pretty sure that it has not changed very much. The total amount of local hard core Scientologists has got to be around 150, not much more.
Hubbard was actually quite sensible on the subject of premises for orgs he was all about "affordable" and all about "location". Orgs had to be located in populous areas with large amounts of foot traffic. They had to as good as could be afforded by the organization. The idea of buying enormously expensive places on the "Field of Dreams" economic planning model was not one of his favorite ideas.
So now an org that can barely afford where it is now, is suddenly going to support a building that probably requires more upkeep and money than the entirety of their current income?
PLease do this. Please.
What will happen is what has already happened with many of these places.
The financial pressure on the staff and the hard core public will be doubled or tripled - and for no benefit.Which wil force more of them out.
The org will neglect the building and, over time, it will become the true shabby representative of the real state of affairs or it will be left empty.
So they will have a building that will be devaluing by the month, they will receive even less pay than they do now, the org will suffer enormous financial hardship and they will lose people.
All to the good.