A huge new mosque is set to be built in Bolton after an existing one is demolished.
The Makkah Mosque, Grecian Crescent, Great Lever has been granted permission by Bolton Council to demolish its current building, which is more than 100 years old and has been used as a mosque since 1977.
In its place will be built a three-storey new mosque which will have more than double the floorspace, a prayer hall mezzanine and a roof garden. The development will be phased to allow continued use of the Mosque and to stagger community fund-raising efforts.
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The area furthest away from Grecian Crescent will be developed first which will allow the existing mosque and car park to remain open until replacement spaces are ready to be occupied. A design and access statement in support of the plans, said: “The Makkah Mosque, Cultural and Community Centre is situated in the heart of the Great Lever and provides daily worship for up to 800 worshippers.
“The building also hosts community functions and as well as housing the madrasah which provides religious education evening classes for the local children. The building has become somewhat dilapidated and is now struggling to meet the varied functional requirements of the community.
“The need has now arisen to invest in a purpose built facility in order to meet the growing religious, social and educational needs of the community. Great emphasis has been placed on ensuring the design meets the needs of the local community and presents itself as a positive landmark in the area.”
The plans specify 92 car parking spaces at the site including 11 for disabled users. The final phase of the project will involve construction of the madrasah education wing and landscaping.
The plans state the ground floor will have entrances, foyer, main prayer hall, toilets, community rooms and funeral services.
The first floor will accommodate a prayer hall mezzanine, toilets, meeting room, office and a community hall, while the second floor will also accommodate a mezzanine as part of the prayer hall space, plant rooms and a roof garden.
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