Bolton mosque doubles in size

Makkah Mosque has received the green light to demolish its existing place of worship and replace it with a larger version.

Located off Grecian Crescent in Great Lever, the current building has been deemed unsuitable as it lacks the different prayer rooms required throughout the year.

“[This will be an] exciting development which will form a lasting landmark and effectively fulfil the educational, social and religious needs of the local community,” according to the design and access statement by David Cox Architects.

More than 800 people attend the current mosque, whose building is over 100 years old. The structure was first used as a mosque in 1977. The existing mosque is more than 20,000 sq ft, with the new one increasing to 46,000 sq ft.

Features of the new mosque will include a prayer hall, toilets, community kitchens, offices and meeting rooms and funeral facilities, as well as a seclusion space for use during Ramadan.

One of the biggest factors in the decision to rebuild the mosque is that it should be accessible to all, with the inclusion of a lift, ramps and level access throughout.

The mosque will be built using red sandstone, which is meant to reflect the site’s place as a historic landmark in Bolton.

The project will include a community building with an extension for madrasah, or evening education.

There will also be 92 car parking spaces, with 11 for disabled drivers, as well as 12 cycle spaces and four electric vehicle charging points. This is an increase of 44 on those available at the existing mosque.

The mosque will have two entrances available that provide access to the ground and first-floor community areas.

The new mosque will have a community facility adjacent to it. Credit: via planning documents

This development will be completed in stages, with the standing mosque being utilised while the new areas are under construction.

The madrasah facilities and community building will be the final piece of the development. They will be built on the site of the demolished mosque, with the new religious site located next door.

The plans for the mosque have been in the works since December 2018, with a planning application submitted in February 2020. Archi-structure was the flood risk consultant.

This application’s reference number is 07939/20 with Bolton Council.