Vision unveiled for new Smethwick mosque and Islamic centre
Its style is a mix of the Library of Birmingham and The Public - but this is the vision for a new mosque and Islamic centre in Smethwick.
The Masjid and Bangladeshi Islamic Centre want to replace its current converted industrial unit base in Lewisham Road with a three-storey place of worship.
They have lodged a planning application with Sandwell Council which shows an artist impression of the centre, which will also include classrooms, an IT suite, gym and prayer hall.
Part of the building would be fronted with a traditional Islamic pattern made with golden aluminium.
Another side of the centre will be made with darker bricks with large circular windows.
It has been designed by Coventry-based D5 Architects.
Joel Kempsey-Fagg, from the company, said the centre was designed before the Library of Birmingham opening.
He said the golden screen was chosen as a reference to the religious and cultural element to the building.
He said it also allowed daylight inside.
The dark brick used around part of the building was picked to blend it in with the canal and railway architecture in the area.
Mr Kempsey-Fagg said: "Our approach to the design has been to create a welcoming contemporary building to address the aspirations of the existing Bangladeshi Islamic Centre and respond to the local character of the area.
"We have worked closely with the local community and key stakeholders to achieve a design that reflects the aspirations of the centre and the wider community as a whole."
Officials at the mosque said that the new design had been created in light of a major multi-million regeneration scheme planned in Smethwick.
Close to the site will be the £42 million Brindley Village II. Work is due to start soon on scheme.
The village will consist of homes, shops and open spaces on a 12-acre piece of land along the Birmingham Mainline canal route.
A decision on the mosque application will be made by Sandwell Council on the planning application in coming weeks.
