Nostalgia video: Burnley mosque dome raised 2009
Crowds gathered to see the next piece of the jigsaw put in place for the new £1.8m Shah Jalal Mosque, funded from charitable donations from the Muslim community, being developed on former derelict land between Belford Street and Burns Street.
The white dome, which cost around £100,000, was put in place in front of residents, mosque co-ordinator Mr Mozaquir Ali, secretary Coun. Mohammed Malik, architect Dr Najib Gedal, designer Mr Ian Ferrier and Mr John Devassy from Burnley Metal Crafts.
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Hide AdMr Ferrier, who works for IJF Developments, said: “It is a Burnley project and I’m a Burnley man so it was nice to be involved with the project. We were obviously very grateful for the work in these pressing times and I am very pleased with the outcome.”
Initially, the town’s first purpose-built mosque was to be a three-storey building with a basement to be used for community and social purposes and was estimated to cost £3.6m. However, a decision was taken to reduce it to a two-storey building due to the cost.
Coun. Malik said: “Myself and the community are really proud to see the dome go on. It was a dream from our perspective to see the dome finally put in place. It is a great achievement for the community and we can’t wait to have the mosque completed.”