Croydon mosque unveils extension plans for London Road site
CROYDON Mosque and Islamic Centre has unveiled expansion plans for a "green" four-storey extension, to be used as a women and children's centre.
The plan for the centre's site in Dunheved Road includes an 18-metre minaret to in front of the mosque in London Road.
The steel structure that already standson the site will be pulled down, due to changes in the building's design.
While the main purpose of the extension is to provide a new prayer area for women, the ground floor will offer a wheelchair accessible wudu washing area for men.
Business Cards From Only £10.95 Delivered www.myprint-247.co.uk
View detailsOur heavyweight cards have FREE UV silk coating, FREE next day delivery & VAT included. Choose from 1000's of pre-designed templates or upload your own artwork. Orders dispatched within 24hrs.
Terms: Visit our site for more products: Business Cards, Compliment Slips, Letterheads, Leaflets, Postcards, Posters & much more. All items are free next day delivery. www.myprint-247.co.uk
Contact: 01858 468192
Valid until: Sunday, May 26 2013
The new building will also increase the mosque's capacity from about 3,700 to 4,000, reflecting the growth of Croydon's Muslim community since the centre was built in the 1980s.
Members of the mosque have donated around £500,000 to fund the project.
CMIC trustee Shuaib Yusaf said: "Instead of a standard structure, we have gone for something innovative.
"The extension will have an airy feel inside, with an emphasis on green design. We want it to enhance the community."
Glass is a significant feature of the proposed extension, with a glass-topped incline at the rear of the building designed to reflect sunlight onto the Sharland Close housing project below.
Solar panels on this incline could be used to heat water for the mosque's wudu facilities.
According to the architect's drawings, the design aims to be "both recognisably Islamic and comfortable in South London's landscape".
One example is its use of stripes, a common feature of both Islamic architecture and late 19th/early 20th century civic buildings in London, such as Westminster Cathedral.
The design was also influenced by Croydon Town Hall and Clock tower, with Braithwaite Hall providing inspiration for the extension's tall windows.
The unveiling of the plans for London Road follows the controversial rejection of plans to create an Islamic centre in Purley earlier this month – with Tory councillors citing parking issues rather than Islamophobia as their reason.
Mr Yusaf said he had not been directly involved in the Purley mosque plan and could not comment on the vote.
He added: "We know that the average speed on London Road outside the mosque is very slow.
"But we are implementing a travel plan to promote things like car sharing and a greater use of public transport, so that the impact of the extension on parking is minimal.
"For those who do drive, we are encouraging them to park a bit further away and walk to the mosque."
The plan also includes the installation of bike racks outside the mosque.
Comments
by Krystal333
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 6:02PM
“Ok so - if we follow that, the congregations of C of E Churches has declined over the years - shall we then knock these down as they look too 'Churchy' ?
We can all integrate in everyday life but religious services are something that can only be separate. Since when do we expect Methodists, Baptists and Quakers to have regular services together? - till we do, Muslims have a right to hold their own services in a building sympathetic to their religion.
If the building extension is denied planning it should be for genuine and practical reasons - not because it looks like a Mosque!”
by tbabygib
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 2:04PM
“Here we go again....I totally agree with what mikeyjf has said.
Why does Croydon Need to look like Mecca ? This is the UK so you need to integrate and NOT Separate.”
by G_Brigadeiro
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 1:48PM
“Mikey, it's all about expressing religious values and beliefs. Are you seriously suggesting Muslims should just go and pray in Christian churches? And you don't see an issue with that?”
by mikeyjf
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 12:16PM
“aalf_2012
I don't believe i said anything about not being able to "expressing religious values" All i am pointing out is this is another example of avoiding integration in the UK!
Why can't you use existing religious places of worship? There are 1000's of churches within the uk, Instead of having to build your own and separate yourselves!
After all there's only one God and are we not all meant to be as one?”
by Londoner2012
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 12:12PM
“Planning application can be seen in detail here: http://tinyurl.com/br5oebe Click "Make a public comment" to have your voice heard on this development.”
by aalf_2012
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 11:27AM
“Since when has integration and adopting a "way of life" meant that you cant express your religious values by having a place of worship?
What happens with Christians that don't practice their own religion? Are they not adhering to the British "way of life?"”
by mikeyjf
Tuesday, April 03 2012, 9:08AM
“Why is this needed? surely multiculturalism is about integration within the country you wish to live in?
Not about wanting your own "this and that" and dividing communities.
The UK is a Christian Country and therefore all those who want to come and live here should adapt to our way of life?"”