Health & Education

VALUE: £8.6 million

Duration: 70 weeks

The Raza Jamia Masjid Mosque and Islamic Centre is now officially open.

The religious building, which has been funded by donations from residents and businesses, has been hailed a ‘dream come true’ for members and the elders of local community.

The 34,000 sq ft new mosque, which is located between Grimshaw Street and Lower Antley Street, includes three prayer halls and a library.

The community centre features an Islamic funeral room, community facilities and dining areas.

There is also a 71-bay carpark, including six disabled spaces, at the three-storey facility.

It is hoped the community centre, which is open to everyone regardless of faith, will help with community cohesion.

Lancashire County Councillor Munsif Dad, who is a member of the mosque, said: “The Muslim community came into Accrington in the 1950s. When they came they acquired a two-up, two-down house, where prayers and various religious activities took place. It was a dream for many elders to have a purpose-built mosque in Accrington. That dream has come to fruition now.

Cllr Noordad Aziz, who represents the Netherton ward on Hyndburn Council, said: “This is a wonderful community facility that hopefully the whole community of Hyndburn will benefit from. It is probably the best mosque I have been to in terms of its facilities.”