Completion date set for Lincolnshire’s first purpose-built mosque

The association behind the first purpose-built mosque in Lincoln have revealed a completion date for the development off Boultham Park Road.

Despite work being hindered by weather conditions, the Islamic Association of Lincoln say the mosque will be completed by October or November 2016.

Work on the development has entered a new milestone with the total raised to see the project to fruition reaching almost £1.2 million.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

As previously reported, construction work got underway on the site of the new mosque in April this year, formerly the home of a dairy factory on the corner of Dixon Street, next to the Lidl supermarket.

Dr. Tanweer Ahmed, Chairman of the Islamic Association of Lincoln, said: “We are making good progress though work has been slow down due to weather conditions.

“Brick work is due to start very soon and we are anticipating that construction work will be completed in October/November this year.

“I am really very pleased and grateful to Lincoln Muslim community for their generous donations which helping us to keep going.

“In last three years or so, we raised nearly £1.2 million. Now I am confident that we can raise remaining £400,000 in next few months.”

Designs of the mosque being built on Dixon Street in Lincoln

The Islamic Association of Lincoln were given planning permission for the building in November 2012 by the City of Lincoln Council.

Since then, the association has needed to raise in the region of £1.6 million through donations.

The mosque will be the first purpose-built prayer facility for Muslims in Lincolnshire.

The new building will have prayer facilities for men, women, teaching spaces for boys and girls, a library and a funeral preparation room.

It will also include dedicated parking for 68 cars and cycle storage spaces.

People can find out more about the project and pledge donations on the website here.

Previous attempts for a mosque to be built in the city have been controversial. A former site proposed by the Islamic Association was rejected due to parking issues and was later burnt down.

Supporters at the anti-mosque protest in 2014. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

In July 2015, around 200 people supported the English Defence League anti-mosque protest in Lincoln, which also saw a counter demonstration from the Lincoln Against Racism and Fascism (LARF) group.

The Islamic Association of Lincoln are hosting a special open day at the current mosque facility on Orchard Street in Lincoln in order to give local residents of all beliefs an insight into Islam.