Key Points:
- Havering Council is urging public participation in the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s (HICC) consultation on its relocation plans to South Street, Romford.
- The relocation is part of the Bridge Close regeneration project, which includes new homes, a primary school, health services, and community and business spaces.
- The HICC must raise additional funds from the community to support its relocation, alongside financial settlements under compulsory purchase principles.
- A public open event will take place on Thursday, 27 February 2025, from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford.
- Online feedback on the plans can be submitted at hicc.your-feedback.co.uk until Friday, 14 March 2025.
- Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, expressed support for the HICC’s plans and encouraged respectful community participation.
- The planning application will proceed through Havering Council’s standard planning process once submitted.
Why Is the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre Relocating?
Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC) is relocating as part of the Bridge Close regeneration project in Romford.
The current HICC premises will be acquired to make way for regeneration plans, which aim to create a new primary school, affordable homes, health services, and community spaces. The move aligns with efforts to expand HICC’s services for its congregation and the wider community.
How Can Residents Share Their Views on the New Mosque Plans?
Residents are invited to participate in a public consultation process to share their thoughts on the proposed relocation.
An open event is scheduled for Thursday, 27 February 2025, at The Brewery Shopping Centre in Romford, near Sainsbury’s, between 3.30pm and 6.30pm. Additionally, proposals can be viewed online at hicc.your-feedback.co.uk, where residents can submit their comments until 14 March 2025.
What Does Havering Council Say About the Plans?
Councillor Graham Williamson has encouraged respectful community feedback and voiced support for the HICC’s plans.
He stated, “Whilst we had originally considered that the centre could be provided as part of the existing plans for Bridge Close, we fully support the HICC’s decision to seek an alternative location in Romford as well as their wish to expand their services to their congregation and the wider community.”
The council has engaged with South Street property owners and occupiers to help facilitate the relocation and ensure the process is inclusive.
What Challenges Does the HICC Face in Relocating?
The HICC must secure significant additional funding from the community alongside financial settlements for their current site.
Councillor Williamson noted that the settlement will be based on compulsory purchase principles and added, “A move requires HICC to raise significant additional funding from the community.”
What Is the Next Step in the Planning Process?
Once the public consultation period concludes, the application will go through Havering Council’s regular planning procedures.
Residents are encouraged to participate actively and share their perspectives during the consultation process to ensure their voices are heard before decisions are finalised.
What Does This Relocation Mean for the Romford Community?
The relocation of the HICC to South Street represents both an opportunity for expanded community services and a chance for the public to influence local development.
Councillor Williamson stressed the importance of maintaining mutual respect and tolerance, stating, “We are all part of the same community and we should all have the same rights, be that in how we worship or where we meet.”
The final decision on the proposed relocation will depend on the outcomes of the public consultation and subsequent planning application review.
