Context
The London Muslim Centre is situated in Tower Hamlets, adjacent to the East
London Mosque and serves the UK’s largest Muslim Community. The 2001
census indicated that the Muslim community in Tower Hamlets constituted 36%
of the population in comparison to London’s Muslim population of
approximately 8%. The Mosque, built in 1985, is one of the largest both
within the capital and the UK with a capacity of approximately 4,500
people.
Details
The aims of the London Muslim Centre involve improving the quality of life
of local residents and enhancing community cohesion.
Specifically the London Muslim Centre aims to:
- Focus on the needs of the diverse Muslim community whilst ensuring that
services are open to all
- Meet the needs of the local community by promoting health, education
and employment opportunities
- Provide Muslims and non-Muslims with the opportunity to learn and
understand Islam through discussion and social interaction
- Contribute to the social, cultural and economic enhancement of the
whole community through policy and strategy development and service
The project funded the transformation of a car park that was situated
adjacent to the East London Mosque to be transformed into a six story
building that stands out as a major local landmark. The Centre opened in
June 2004 and became fully operational the following year.
The Centre provides workspace for local businesses and SMEs (Small and
Medium Enterprises) and further provides a location for a wide range of
projects including; basic skills training, job search and projects aimed at
young people with the aim to improve school attendance.
Impact
It is estimated that 15,000 people visited the new Centre on its opening
day to discover more about the facilities it had to offer.
The project resulted in 0.2 hectares of previously derelict land being
transformed to provide 5,658m² of high quality business premises which
included the provision of 243m² of specialist technology
accommodation.
The construction of the Centre resulted in economic benefits including the
creation of 74 permanent jobs and over 200 temporary jobs.
