Lincoln mosque back on track after securing new builders

Building work has resumed on Lincoln’s first purpose-built mosque after new contractors were appointed for the project.

As reported previously, construction work ceased temporarily after the Islamic Association of Lincoln terminated their contract with previous builders, following legal advice.

The £1.5 million scheme has now been taken on by Lincoln firm Active8 Building Limited and construction work restarted on November 14.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Contractors will now begin brick work and roofing to ensure the building is watertight.

Dr Tanweer Ahmed, Chairman and Trustee of the Islamic Association of Lincoln, said in a statement: “I am pleased to let you know that Alhamdulillah, the new mosque construction work re-started on November 14, 2016.

“This is an exciting news for all of us and I know you have all been waiting for some time.

“I pray to Allah Subhanahu wa ta’ala to help us to complete this project as soon as possible.

Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

“Since a three to four months period after the project initially stopped, we spoke to a number of contractors and explored all possibilities.

“After extensive discussions and negotiations, I am pleased to let you know that we have appointed a Lincoln-based company called Active8 Building Limited.

“At this stage, our priority is to complete brick/stone and roofing work so that we have a watertight building. Insha’Allah, I will give you a detailed update on Sunday, November 20 in our Annual General Meeting.

“I take this opportunity to thank you all for your patience and continuous support in the last few difficult months.

“Many brothers and sisters spoke to me on regular basis and gave me a lot of moral support. Even though the project stopped for few months but Alhamdulillah, the Lincoln Muslim community never stopped in raising funds for the Mosque.”

The ground-breaking ceremony on the site of the new mosque join 2015. Photo: Steve Smailes for The Lincolnite

Work first began on the mosque on April 15, 2015, however the association described progress as “disappointingly slow”.

Plans for the mosque were originally put forward by the Association and given the go-ahead by City of Lincoln Council in November 2012.

Since then, the association has worked to attract the funds needed for the project.

The total cost is estimated to be in the region of £1.5 million and the mosque has been fully funded through individual donations.