By Written by Jamiu Yisa, Nigeria
John McAslan + Partners is developing new designs for the huge Baitul Futuh Mosque complex in south London, which was damaged by a fire in 2015.
The London studio, led by Scottish architect John McAslan, will completely overhaul the 21,000 square-metre mosque complex in Morden – one of the biggest mosques in Europe.
The firm will redesign key areas that were irreparably damaged by the fire, including function halls, offices, and apartments. It will also add a new wing, creating separate entrances for pedestrians and vehicles to improve security.
A new street-facing facade, an expanded courtyard space and more accommodation will also be included.
“Reinstating the fire-damaged elements of the building is a priority, but the practice is also exploring long-term opportunities in order to establish an overall development framework that responds to the client’s wider aspirations,” said John McAslan + Partners.
The mosque complex serves the local Ahmadiyya Muslim community. It was originally built in 2003, with its estimated £15 million cost covered by donations from Muslims in the UK.
As well as the main prayer areas, the complex encompasses a library, exhibition spaces, a TV studio, gym, guest accommodation, offices and multi-purpose rooms.
The 2015 fire started in the complex’s administrative area and covered 50 per cent of the ground floor as well as some areas of the first floor, although prayer areas were undamaged.
John McAslan’s new designs for the complex are due to be submitted to the local council for approval at the end of summer, when further details of the design will be revealed.
