Lewisham mosque set for redevelopment
By Robert Firth, Local Democracy Reporter
A building which houses a mosque and flats in a high street is set for redevelopment.
Lewisham Islamic Centre needs extra space for the growing number of worshippers visiting its Catford site.
The existing mosque in Lewisham High Street would be demolished under the proposals and replaced with a four-storey building to house the new mosque.
The premises would also include a gym, café, workspace and six flats.
Lewisham Islamic Centre welcomes about 2,000 worshippers through the doors of its mosque during Friday prayers.
The new mosque will allow the centre, which was founded 40 years ago, to house a growing congregation and provide extra services to the local community, according to a planning application.
Planning documents read: “The proposal will result in the redevelopment and rejuvenation of a community hub and significant place of worship within the Lewisham area.
“The application site currently features a three-storey terrace building with a projecting single-storey front element, housing various businesses and facilities.
“These facilities include the existing Lewisham Islamic Centre, Young Muslim Academy, Words of Wisdom Islamic Bookshop, Zaitoon Nursery and PreSchool, Hayat Tours and Wing Chun Art.
“The application proposes the demolition of the existing buildings located at 363-365 Lewisham High Street and the erection of a new four-storey plus basement replacement building. The building will accommodate a place of worship, plus community and educational facilities, a café, library and sports hall.”
The proposed development will be car-free, but bike racks will be provided for people wanting to cycle to the centre.
There are five bus stops within a five-minute walk of the site, leading to New Cross, Bromley and Croydon.
The Lewisham High Street site has been used by Lewisham Islamic Centre as a mosque since 2001.
Lewisham council will make a decision on the application in due course.
Pictured top: The mosque, bookshop and nursery in Lewisham High Street as it looks today (Picture: Google Street View)