New mosque opens after 20 years of planning
BBCA mosque which has taken nearly 20 years to plan and build is finally in use.
The new building in Fenham, Newcastle, has been funded by members of Newcastle Central Mosque and was constructed in phases, with planning for it starting in 2003.
As well as a place of worship, it is also a community centre, with kitchens and classrooms.
Imam Abdul Basith Mohammed said its completion was a "a dream come true", adding: "We hope it will be used by everyone, not just Muslims."
"It is particularly important for young people, because it feels like somewhere they belong, we have so many children who come here," he added.
The new mosque replaces a Victorian building, once owned by the NHS, which was demolished in 2013.
While it was being built, the community used a small hall adjacent, but it was not big enough to hold all those who wished to pray there, particularly during the month of Ramadan.
The new building has more than 20 classrooms and a large space for women to pray.
Sugufta Naz is "quite new to the community" so only experienced the old building for "a couple of years".
"The change in terms of comfort and space is just amazing," she said.
Much of the building will be available for organisations like the NHS to use if required.
Up to 4,000 people are expected to attend the new mosque for Eid-al-Fitr, a special occasion for Muslims which marks the end of the month of Ramadan, with many travelling from Cumbria, County Durham and Northumberland.
It is expected to fall on either 19 or 20 March, depending on the sighting of the moon.
