Arson-hit mosque poised to build new community centre
A community centre could be built under new plans after the last one was destroyed by arsonists.
Cradley Heath Central Mosque has submitted proposals for the new two-storey building – next to the existing mosque in Plant Street.
The previous community building was destroyed following an arson attack in 2009.
The new modern building would be used for after-school Islamic classes, gatherings for families going through bereavement and other social events in the Muslim community.
Documents submitted with the application read: “Following an arson attack in 2009, during which an existing community building was destroyed, the mosque’s management and the mosque's members have decided they would like to re-provide the facility.
“They wish to construct a new two-storey building to provide spaces that can be used by the Muslim community and mosque members for multiple purposes; primary use will be for after school Islamic classes for young boys and girls, to hold gatherings for Muslim families who are going through bereavement and other social events amongst the Muslim community.
“A new defined car park layout provides 55 parking spaces, including seven disabled spaces.
"This exceeds the 51 spaces previously approved.
"In summary, the new building is intended to be used separately from the Mosque and is designed to look as a separate building, even though connected by a single walkway.”
A decision is expected to be made by Sandwell Council in the coming months.
