Major Walsall mosque revamp revealed

The Muslim Welfare Society has stated the proposal will enhance the existing place of worship at Bills Street, Darlaston, rather than create a 'super mosque'.

The plans include building a new two-storey extension to the main building which will make it more accessible for disabled people as well as create a dedicated entrance for children in order to meet requirements stipulated by the Department for Education. The flat roof on the mosque will be replaced by a pitched roof in order to address a number of problems including leaking water.

A new library and resource centre will also be built on the site but this will replace an existing facility.

While another car park will be opened up in order to eradicate traffic problems with people coming and going to the mosque.

Project manager Aslan Patel told the Express & Star: "The plans are more of an upgrade rather than an expansion although it will create one new small classroom for special needs children.

"We need to provide better facilities for disabled people because at the moment they can't access the upper floor. Also we haven't got a disabled toilet.

"We also need to follow Department for Education guidelines for mosques. At the moment everyone uses one entrance but this would allow us to create a dedicated entrance for children.

"The library and resource centre will replace an existing building to create a space useable by everybody.

"The building was built in the 1980s and it has lasted surprisingly well but now it needs to be brought up to standard with what you would expect of a modern day facility."

The plans are set to be tabled before Walsall Council's planning committee this evening – Thursday – and officers have recommended they be approved.

Around 130 people have lodged their support for the project to the authority. If given the green light it will be built in several phases and the costs will have to be met almost entirely by donations to the Society.

Mr Patel added: "This is a masterplan which would be built in phases. It is a community based project and would be based on donations to raise the funds.

"We would do it in sections but the first thing would be to address the building fronting Bills Street which is quite old and run down.

"We would also want to open up the car park to address traffic issues. Overall this is more of an enhancement that anything. It will also enhance the area as well and allow for better community integration."