Plans for a 13-storey Albanian mosque and cultural center in north-west London's Queen's Park neighborhood have drawn significant opposition from local residents, who cite concerns over the project's scale, potential traffic and parking issues, and its impact on the existing urban landscape. The proposal seeks to replace a two-storey converted pub with a much larger structure to house prayer facilities, community spaces, and a morgue.
The UK Albanian Muslim Community and Cultural Centre submitted the expansion plans to the local council in December 2023. Architects propose demolishing the current building, which has been used by the community since 1996, to construct a tower designed to accommodate thousands of worshippers. The design includes three floors of prayer rooms, a morgue, and function rooms for events.
Residents have voiced objections, noting that at least 15 other mosques already exist within a three-mile radius. "It's hard to understand how there is local need for a 13 storey mega-mosque in Queen's Park when there are already 15 others in a three mile radius," one unnamed resident told the Daily Mail. Concerns have been raised about the potential for increased traffic, parking congestion, noise, and disruption, particularly given the area's narrow lanes, which are already prone to traffic jams. One objection referenced the nearby large mosque in Regent's Park, stating it can bring the surrounding area to a "virtual standstill on Fridays."
The proposed building's height and design have also been a point of contention. "The proposed size and height of the building will dominate the area, and will dwarf and overshadow the charming Baptist church right next to it," stated one resident. Another added, "The design shown on the application doesn't fit in at all with the local architecture. It looks totally out of place both in style and size."
Local Conservative councillor Sapna Chadha acknowledged the right of faith communities to worship but highlighted existing infrastructure challenges. "Queen's Park already experiences serious traffic congestion, parking pressures and infrastructure that has failed to keep pace with development," she said. "Residents have been raising these concerns for years, yet Brent Council has too often allowed growth without delivering the roads, transport improvements and local infrastructure people need."
The UK Albanian Muslim Community and Cultural Centre stated that the new building is necessary to meet the needs of a growing community and that traffic, noise, and infrastructure were key considerations in the design process. Mitigation measures have been incorporated, and the center plans to fund the project through debt finance, member donations, and support from UK-based religious and Islamic charitable organizations. The proposed development includes classrooms for children's education, a ground-floor café, restaurant space, and flexible community facilities in addition to prayer spaces oriented towards the Kaaba in Mecca.
The application has reportedly attracted over 200 public comments, with a majority opposing the construction. The architects, Ayad Al-Tuhafi, noted that the design has been set back and cantilevers from the third floor to reduce perceived mass at street level and respect the neighboring church.
