Take a tour of Lincoln’s first mosque

More than 700 people of all or no faith were welcomed into the county’s first purpose built mosque in Lincoln this weekend.

The Islamic Association of Lincoln marked the completion of the £2 million project with a celebration on Saturday, May 5 and an open day on Sunday, May 6.

Dozens of special guests from all sectors of the community attended the opening ceremony, including the Mayor of Lincoln Councillor Chris Burke, MP Karen Lee, leader of the City of Lincoln Council Ric Metcalfe, Lincolnshire Police Deputy Chief Constable Craig Naylor and the Lincolnshire Police and Crime Commissioner Marc Jones.

Guests were given a tour of the facilities on the former dairy factory site off Boultham Park Road, including prayer rooms for men and women, teaching spaces for children, a library and a funeral preparation room.

They were also invited to join prayers and to learn about the Association.

It was funded entirely by donations.

The association has been worshipping in temporary facilities at the Grandstand off Carholme Road for around 15 years as well as at a facility off Orchard Street (the former Healthy Hub).

Chairman of the Islamic Association of Lincoln Tanweer Ahmed said: “I am pleased and excited that the open day was very successful.

“Over 700 people visited our new mosque from all faiths and none, young and old.

“The feedback was very positive and visitors were very impressed with architect and design of the building. We knew there was a lot of interest in our open days since we hosted them at Orchard Street from last few years but we never imagined we would get such a big turnout.

“Many visitors expressed their interest in attending more open days and many were unable to attend so we are hoping to organise another open day before end of the year.

“I would like to thank Omar Al-Maary and other committee members and volunteers who worked very hard to make open day successful. Without support from people of Lincoln and key stake holders, it was not possible so I would like to thank once again who gave lot of support and were pleased to see first purpose built mosque in Lincolnshire.”