The Salaam Centre in North Harrow is the Winner of Best Future Design at British Beacon Mosque Awards 2024.
The centre, a unique architectural design and project in Harrow, has been awarded the prestigious award in celebrating the centre’s innovative approach to creating a multi-faith community space that harmoniously blends Islamic architectural heritage with contemporary British design.
The project, at the cost of about £27m (mostly community donations), when completed, would be the remarkable fulfilment of the leading trustee Dr Nizar Merali’s over 20 years dedication and hard struggle.
The award recognises the centre’s pioneering vision of what a modern Muslim community space can be – a cultural embassy that welcomes people of all faiths while making a bold architectural statement. The centre is committed to architectural excellence and community integration.
Previously speaking, Ali Mangera of Mangera Yvars Architects, explained the philosophy behind the project: “In the UK, mosques should be seen as embassies to a faith, and as such they need to provide ‘architectural outreach’ and to create buildings that inspire and contribute to the cityscape while providing an inviting spiritual home open to all, regardless of faith.”
The planning application for the centre helpfully progressed during the Cllr Marilyn Ashton’s pre-2010 chairmanship of the planning committee.
“I remember deferring the decision, as the initial officers’ recommendation was to refuse. Then it returned a while later recommended for grant and was then approved” recalls Cllr Marilyn Ashton.
“I am delighted that this has won a design award, and that I was able to play my part in the approval of the planning permission,” said Cllr Ashton, chair of the Harrow council planning committee and deputy leader of the council.
The centre, a unique architectural design and project in Harrow, has been awarded the prestigious award in celebrating the centre’s innovative approach to creating a multi-faith community space that harmoniously blends Islamic architectural heritage with contemporary British design.
The project, at the cost of about £27m (mostly community donations), when completed, would be the remarkable fulfilment of the leading trustee Dr Nizar Merali’s over 20 years dedication and hard struggle.The award recognises the centre’s pioneering vision of what a modern Muslim community space can be – a cultural embassy that welcomes people of all faiths while making a bold architectural statement. The centre is committed to architectural excellence and community integration.
Previously speaking, Ali Mangera of Mangera Yvars Architects, explained the philosophy behind the project: “In the UK, mosques should be seen as embassies to a faith, and as such they need to provide ‘architectural outreach’ and to create buildings that inspire and contribute to the cityscape while providing an inviting spiritual home open to all, regardless of faith.”
The planning application for the centre helpfully progressed during the Cllr Marilyn Ashton’s pre-2010 chairmanship of the planning committee.
“I remember deferring the decision, as the initial officers’ recommendation was to refuse. Then it returned a while later recommended for grant and was then approved” recalls Cllr Marilyn Ashton.
“I am delighted that this has won a design award, and that I was able to play my part in the approval of the planning permission,” said Cllr Ashton, chair of the Harrow council planning committee and deputy leader of the council.
Harrow Monitoring Group 