Target mosque set for extension
A mosque which was targeted by a terrorist with a nail bomb is set to double in size, as plans for a new community centre were revealed.
Leaders at the Central Jamia Mosque in Tipton want to build a two-storey extension onto existing site in Binfield Street.
The mosque was targeted by white supremacist Pavlo Lapshyn in 2013, who detonated a a nail bom on a rail embankment next its car park.
He was jailed later that year for carrying out a campaign of terror across the West Midlands.
A planning application has been submitted by the mosque to build the two-storey extension which will house a community centre.
During a land survey, a mine shaft was found under the site which would have cost £250,000 to cover. The discovery affected how planners set about the project.
Community leaders have welcomed the extension which they say it will benefit the community.
Tipton Green councillor Ian Jones said the mosque played a major role in bringing the community together following the terrorist incident.
Lapshyn packed hundreds of nails into the bomb on July 12, 2013.
He also murdered 82-year-old worshipper Mohammed Saleem in Birmingham, by stabbing him three times in the back as he walked home from evening prayers on April 29, 2013.
Lapshyn also targeted Aisha Mosque in Rutter Street, Caldmore, when he planted explosive devices in a child's lunch box at the mosque gates on June 21, 2013.
Seven days later he placed a bomb on a roundabout near Wolverhampton Central Mosque.
Lapshyn was jailed for a minimum of 40 years on October 23, 2013.
Originally the design of the extension consisted of three stories but was drawn back to two.
The ground floor will serve as a community hall for women and children, while a men's community centre will be held on the first floor.
The build will incorporate offices and classrooms and on site parking and a drop off zone.
Under the plans, submitted to Sandwell Council, the extension will be built outwards towards the right of the site, across the car park.
Councillor Jones said: "The mosque played a large part in bringing the community together (after the bomb attack).
"They always bring the community together in times of tension. They have been instrumental in multi-faith meetings as well."
He added: "I welcome the extension.It will be beneficial to the area."
Fellow ward councillor Ahmadul Haque MBE said: "The extension will provide facilities for the community. I think it is a welcome idea."
The extension is set to double the size of the mosque.
The plans are awaiting a decision by Sandwell Council.
