Plans for a 13-story Albanian 'mega mosque' in London's Queen's Park neighborhood have drawn significant opposition from local residents, who cite concerns about the building's size, potential traffic increases, and the proximity of existing places of worship. The proposal, submitted by the UK Albanian Muslim Community and Cultural Centre, aims to demolish the current two-story building, a former pub, and replace it with a towering structure that includes prayer floors, a morgue, and community function rooms.
Architects of the project, Ayad Al-Tuhafi, stated that the design aims to mitigate its perceived mass by setting the building back and cantilevering upper floors. They assert that the design respects the neighboring West Kilburn Baptist Church and responds to the evolving character of the wider South Kilburn regeneration area. The development is intended to accommodate a growing community and provide modern facilities for religious, educational, charitable, and cultural activities.
However, the scale of the proposed mosque has alarmed many residents. Objections filed with the local council highlight that Queen's Park already has 15 mosques within a three-mile radius. Critics argue that a 13-story building would dominate the local skyline, overshadowing nearby structures, including the Baptist church. Concerns have also been raised about the potential for increased traffic, parking issues, noise, and disruption, particularly given the area's narrow lanes, which already experience congestion. Some residents have questioned the funding model for the extensive construction, with the community center indicating a plan to use debt finance, member donations, and support from Islamic charitable organizations.
Local councilor Sapna Chadha acknowledged the right of faith communities to worship but pointed out that Queen's Park faces existing challenges with traffic congestion and infrastructure that has not kept pace with development. She expressed that residents have voiced these concerns for years, suggesting that growth has often occurred without corresponding improvements to roads and transport.
Despite widespread opposition, some residents expressed a more cautious approach, acknowledging Albania's history of religious tolerance and suggesting a need to examine the project promoters before forming definitive opinions. The UK Albanian Muslim Community and Cultural Centre has occupied its current site since 1996, providing services and a place of worship, and states the new building is necessary to meet the needs of its expanding congregation. They maintain that traffic, noise, and infrastructure impacts have been key considerations throughout the design process, with mitigation measures incorporated into the proposals.