Plan for new £3 million mosque in city

7:10am Thursday 7th August 2008

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By James Connell »

A NEW £3 million mosque is being planned for the heart of Worcester.

Islamic leaders plan to build the mosque and education centre in Stanley Road, off Wyld’s Lane, within the next five to 10 years.

The mosque would replace one in Tallow Hill which will eventually be sold to help cover the costs of the project.

It could have as many as 600 worshippers at peak times and will be the first-purpose built mosque in the two counties, according to Muslim Welfare Association chairman Malik Mohammed Fayaz.

Mr Fayaz said: “This is something that will add a landmark to the city that people will admire and bring more grace and value to the area.

“It will be used to bring people of all faiths together and facilitate better understanding between the communities. It will not just be a mosque but an education centre to educate future nations and generations.

“It will be brilliant to have young and old using the centre together. There are no plans to use it as a school, it will be more of a community centre.

“It will give the community the opportunity to interact with Muslims and get to know about their culture.”

The Muslim Welfare Association bought the one acre site, which includes Unity House, a day centre for adults with physical disabilities, from Worcestershire County Council in March for £600,000.

The city’s Muslims took under a year to raise the money to buy the site but need £3 million more for the finished mosque.

Under the proposals Unity House would be demolished and a mosque with minarets built in its place.

Mr Fayaz is also committed to the principle that women will be able to attend the mosque and worship.

Mr Fayaz said a series of meetings had already taken place with local residents about the plans.

At the moment there are three mosques in the city – Jalalabad Centre in Vincent Road, also off Wyld’s Lane; Tallow Hill Mosque; and Almadina Islamic Centre in the Arboretum.

The precise design of the mosque has yet to be decided and Muslim leaders do not know when a planning application will be handed in to Worcester City Council.

Mr Fayaz said the mosque/ education centre would be no higher than the surrounding buildings and could be served either by a multi-storey car park or by an underground one.

However, as many of the worshippers live locally he hopes they would be able to walk or share cars.

The building is empty at the moment apart from one part used for Learn Direct adult education courses.

A Worcestershire County Council spokesman confirmed the land was sold on Friday, March 7.

She said: “The premises were declared surplus once a replacement centre was provided at St Helens, Worcester. The buildings were in poor condition and did not suit county council needs.”

Contributions to the mosque appeal should go to Worcester Muslim Welfare Association, Tallow Hill Road, Worcester, WR5 1JU.