New Mosque: Public Exhibition

I have just received details of a public exhibition for the planned new mosque on Mill Road:

There will be a public exhibition of pre-planning application proposals for the new Mosque building. Please join us to view the detailed plans, learn more about the project and ask project leaders any questions you may have.

The exhibition will take place on Wednesday 7th September, 2011 from 2pm to 8pm at Ross Street Community Centre.

Click Here for more information and to download the exhibition leaflet.

New mosque plans progressing

I'm pleased to report that the Muslim Academic Trust is progressing with plans for a new mosque on the former John Lewis site.

They are currently half-way through the architectural competition, having shortlisted four architectural practices out of an original eleven. The architects on the shortlist are now preparing detailed proposals, including drawings, for a deadline of 28 April. A jury, including a lecturer from the faculty of architecture, and a non-voting representative of East Mill Road Action Group, will hopefully meet shortly afterwards to pick a winner.

The old building on the site was extensively damaged by fire last November, and demolition has now been completed without significant problems or contamination issues - after concerns raised by local residents, the small garden in front of the property was conserved during the demolition.

Fire at new mosque site

There has been a serious fire at the old John Lewis warehouse on Mill Road. The site has been purchased by the Muslim Academic Trust with the intention of building a new mosque, so the building was due for demolition anyway, but the fire has caused Mill Road to shut between Perne Road and Coleridge Road, and this is likely to remain the case for a couple of days.

As our pictures show, damage is extensive, and the building is likely to be demolished on safety grounds. Police are treating the area as a crime scene, and forensic science experts were still working there this morning.

Mill Road Mosque

If you are interested in the plans for a new mosque in Cambridge on Mill Road, I have been sent the following link: http://www.cambridgemosqueismoving.org/. I'm pleased to see that those behind the plans are seeking wider community involvement!

New Mosque for Cambridge

I'm told that the Cambridge muslim community is interested in building a mosque on the former John Lewis warehouse site on Mill Road. I understand the site has been purchased, and there is likely to be a planning application. The main Cambridge mosque is currently squashed in to premises between Tenison Road and Mawson Road, and there have long been calls to make land available for a new purpose built mosque. The John Lewis site is much larger and currently becoming increasingly derelict:

Modern Britain can be proud of its tolerance between different faiths, and of the freedom to practice religions that is still not the case in many parts of the world. However, many residents in the area may be apprehensive about what a new mosque in the area may involve, and this would be an ideal time for the muslim community to build links with the wider community to break down barriers caused by ignorance and even fear. If I was involved in the project, I would want to be communicating with local residents and community groups immediately - and not wait until a planning application has been submitted and rumours have been allowed to get ahead of the reality.

Whilst I would support the muslim community generally in its desire to build a new mosque, any planning application should be considered on its merits. This is a large site, so any redevelopment is likely to be mixed use including housing. My usual concerns about quality of design and construction, transport, car parking and cycle parking would all apply, along with the desire not to see the distinctive mix that is Mill Road overwhelmed, and to see significant liaison and bridge building with the wider community.