Hundreds of worshippers from the Old Kent Road Mosque face uncertainty as an ambitious £9m redevelopment project grinds to a halt due to a lack of funds.
The project, first announced in 2018, aims to replace the mosque’s current site, which they own. The plans include a striking six-storey building featuring a modern prayer hall, a community centre, and commercial spaces.
“It’s going to be fancy and one-of-a-kind,” said Abdul-Jelil O. Oladejo, president of the Muslim Association of Nigeria (UK) and OId Kent Road Mosque.
How the mosque could look on the Old Kent Road (Al Mahdeen Visualisations)
But inflation has pushed the estimated cost from £6.5m to £9m, leaving the community in limbo. “We don’t have the funds to continue at the moment,” Abdul explained.
They are now looking for a large enough space to rent, that would be affordable to allow them carry on serving the community whilst continuing with their completely self-funded building project.
The project is currently at a standstill (photo: supplied)
The mosque, a fixture on Old Kent Road since 1993, has been temporarily operating from a rented site opposite Burgess Park for the past five years.
However, with rent exceeding £5,000 a month, the community – which is completely self-funded – had to give it up on December 31.
“We are currently homeless,” Abdul said, adding: “I’m very worried and sad about it.”
He explained that they were unable to justify paying such a high rent alongside funding their ongoing renovation project.
We asked the council whether there were any sites in the area they could rent in the meantime. Cllr John Batteson, Cabinet Member for Climate Emergency, Jobs and Business: “We know times are tough for all our local faith communities, groups and businesses that are seeking a premises in the borough, and we do our very best to support them to stay in the local area.
“The council does not currently have any suitable and available temporary premises for the Mosque.”
With Ramadan approaching in March and 300 regular worshippers affected, the urgency to find a temporary base is mounting. Abdul emphasised the importance of a shared space for prayer and breaking fasts. “It benefits your mind and soul to be around others. We support each other,” he said.
All their regular activities have had to stop, whilst they wait for what’s next.
The mosque also provided vital community services, including youth activities, elder support groups, and counselling, which have all been paused due to the lack of a facility.
Despite the challenges, Abdul is determined to see the redevelopment through. The new building is designed to benefit both worshippers and the wider community, with a gym, commercial spaces, and event areas open to all. “The long-time benefit is worth the wait,” he said, ruling out scaling back the plans.
For now, the mosque is appealing to the public for help in finding an affordable temporary location in Southwark.
If you know of a suitable space, please get in touch.
Old Kent Road Mosque and Islamic Cultural Centre before it was demolished (Google Maps)