Havering Council Cabinet Members are encouraging members of the public to participate in Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s (HICC) public consultation.
It comes as part of their proposed relocation to South Street and their pre-planning submission process.
The relocation plans come after the HICC agreed to work with the Council and Bridge Close Regeneration LLP (BCR LLP) to achieve its regeneration proposals for Bridge Close which would require acquisition of their current premises.
Any other money needed to support their plans will be raised by the HICC.
The Bridge Close regeneration includes a new primary school, health services, community and business space and new affordable homes for local people and the support from Cabinet Members and the Council are in their roles as owner and promoter of Bridge Close Regeneration.
To ensure the community is fully informed and has an opportunity to share their views on the proposals, the HICC will be holding an open event and are encouraging residents to attend.
Representatives from the Cabinet and Regeneration team will also be attending.
- Thursday 27 February 2025, 3.30pm to 6.30pm, The Brewery Shopping Centre (near Sainsbury's)
- Proposals are also on display on the HICC website, where comments can be made until Friday 14 March 2025.
The new location at South Street will provide the HICC with enhanced facilities to better serve its congregation, members and the wider community, offering a range of cultural, educational, and social activities and continue to promote understanding and cohesion among all residents in Havering.
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, said:
“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.
"We have been engaging with owners and occupiers of South Street for some time to help make this a reality.
“A move requires HICC to raise significant additional funding from the community, in addition to the settlement, based upon compulsory purchase principles for the existing site.
“We encourage all residents to participate in the upcoming public consultation and share their views in a respectful and tolerant way, which reflects our civilised society.
"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.”
John Lester, Chair of Havering’s InterFaith Forum, said:
“We respect our Interfaith Forum relationships and have a very good understanding of each other’s values.
"It is for that reason that all members of the Interfaith Forum support the HICC’s plans to relocate in Romford.
“The proposals will allow them to offer broader services to their congregation, as well as continuing to serve the local community, as they have done for many years.
“We can achieve so much more together to help improve our community, rather than focusing on what divides us.”
Once submitted, the application for the scheme proposal will follow the existing planning process.