Harrogate’s Muslim community has identified a new site for the district’s first mosque after its initial location encountered difficulties.
The Harrogate Islamic Association had hoped to convert the former Nidderdale Children’s Resource Centre in Starbeck, as previously reported.
However, complications relating to change of use and parking has led the association to set its sights instead on a former church hall in Harrogate.
This former children’s centre in Starbeck was the first choice for the mosque.
The hall is attached to the Trinity Methodist Church on Park Drive close to the Stray and town centre.
FSS Property is advertising the former church hall as “well maintained” and “fully functional for its current intended use”.
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The 2,000 square foot building is on the market for £575,000, whereas the former children’s centre in Starbeck was expected to cost about £425,000.
Zahed Amanullah, from the HIA, told the Stray Ferret he was hopeful it would have enough funds:
“We have been fortunate in that, even after we finished fundraising for our first mosque, people have been getting in touch to offer money.
“The biggest thing for us was to see that support from the community. We are confident that this new place will not be contentious.”
He added that although the former church hall does not have a garden or kitchen like the site in Starbeck, it has a bigger prayer space.
The Harrogate Islamic Association is growing in popularity.
The HIA, which started in 2011 and now has 100 members, began publicly fundraising for £85,000 in September to achieve the shortfall in funds,
Its appeal currently has almost £102,000.
If all goes to plan Mr Amanullah hopes the group will be able to open the mosque around March to April next year in time for Ramadan.
