Romford is set to welcome a transformative new landmark! The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre is planning a major relocation, promising expanded facilities and a vibrant hub for the community. But what does this mean for the area’s future? Get the full story on this ambitious project and discover the vision behind Romford’s next architectural marvel.
Romford is poised for a significant transformation as plans for a landmark new mosque, the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC), emerge, promising an expansive hub for community engagement and spiritual growth. This ambitious relocation project, set for South Street, represents a pivotal moment for the area, aiming to establish a modern and sustainable facility that caters to an ever-growing congregation and offers enhanced services beyond traditional worship.
The genesis of this relocation traces back to the compulsory purchase order (CPO) initiated as part of the extensive Bridge Close regeneration scheme in Waterloo Road. The HICC, originally founded in 1982 and operating from Waterloo Road, found itself at the heart of an urban development project designed to introduce over a thousand new homes, alongside vital healthcare and retail provisions. This CPO mechanism, commonly employed by public bodies for projects in the public interest, necessitated the mosque’s move, despite previous plans for expansion at its existing site.
Shifting its focus, the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre identified a promising plot of land in South Street as its new intended home. While formal plans are still in their preparatory stages, the vision for this new Romford mosque is grand: a purpose-built structure designed to be “notably larger” than its current premises. This expansion will directly address the pressing issue of inadequate space at the Waterloo Road site, which has long struggled to accommodate the increasing number of weekly visitors and fully-booked educational classes.
The proposed facility envisions a comprehensive range of services, including significantly expanded educational provisions, dedicated funeral facilities, and the capacity to welcome over a thousand worshippers comfortably. This commitment to enhanced community services underscores the HICC’s dedication to serving not just its immediate congregation but also contributing positively to the broader Romford community. The design prioritizes both functionality and aesthetic appeal, aiming for a structure that will stand as an architectural landmark.
A notable aspect of this project is the financial partnership involving the local authorities. Havering Council has pledged a portion of the construction costs, aligning with regulations surrounding compulsory purchase orders which often mandate compensation or assistance for relocated entities, particularly places of worship. However, a substantial part of the funding, referred to as a “shortfall,” will need to be raised independently by the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre, reflecting the increased scale and ambition of the new mosque.
The leaders of the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre express a clear aspiration for the new mosque to be a symbol of unity and progress. They envision a structure built to the highest standards of quality and environmental sustainability, ensuring its longevity and minimal ecological footprint. This focus on sustainability aligns with contemporary urban development principles and reflects a forward-thinking approach to community infrastructure.
Ultimately, this project represents more than just the construction of a new building; it embodies the continued growth and evolution of the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre since its inception. The “Havering Mosque” aims to be a testament to the community’s resilience and collective spirit, fostering an environment where spiritual learning, cultural exchange, and social cohesion can thrive for generations to come in the vibrant heart of Romford.
