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    14

    Sept 2022

    Last Updated: 14/09/2022
    Community
    Community

    Work begins to create Harrogate's first mosque

    by Thomas Barrett

    | 14 Sept, 2022
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    The building has stood derelict for several years but Harrogate Islamic Association is bringing it back into use and hope to have it open in time for Ramadan next spring.

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    Building work has begun to create Harrogate's first mosque, which could be open in time for Ramadan next Spring.

    The building on the corner of Tower Street and Belford Road has stood derelict for several years but Harrogate Islamic Association is bringing it back into use.

    Around 100 Muslim worshippers, from a diverse range of backgrounds, currently meet in the Quakers’ Friends Meeting House in Harrogate and Chain Lane Community Hub in Knaresborough.

    Unique project


    Converting a former hospital, masonic hall and home guard club into a mosque has to be one of the most interesting building projects in Harrogate.

    After completing the sale in May, there have been some nasty surprises.

    The roof was in a much worse state than previously thought and then partially collapsed, which could have thrown the whole project into doubt.

    Interior image of the building



    Thankfully, the collapse hasn't damaged the integrity of the walls, leaving workers able to press on with repairing the roof.

    HIA member Zahed Amanullah said:

    "There was a concern that the roof was degraded so much that we’d have to replace it, which we hadn't anticipated and would be prohibitively expensive. Even logistically, we weren't sure replacing the roof would even be possible.
    "But a roofer gave us another opinion that has meant it can be saved. We just needed to progress with removing the actual tiling of the roof, investigating which parts are damaged, then restoring it."






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    Getting it watertight


    Scaffolding has now gone up around the building and will remain there for the next two or three months whilst roofers make sure the building is watertight ahead of winter.

    Work will also take place to smarten up its exterior and will include adding a new render and restoring the windows.

    Mr Amanullah hopes the ground floor will be safe and clean by the end of this year so it can open for some congressional prayers.



    He said the HIA may need to fundraise again to complete the upper level of the building, but he is confident all the uncertainty and hard work will be worth it in the end.

    He added:

    "Developers wanted to demolish it and I don't think the building would have survived another winter. The collapse was quite dramatic.
    "Our main goal is always the next Ramadan in March and April. That would be our goal to open for worship.
    "We’re confident. It was a big risk to take."


    Harrogate Islamic Association will be posting updates about the project on its Twitter account.