Muslims across East Devon are celebrating the opening of a new mosque and cultural centre.
Muslims across East Devon are celebrating the opening of a new mosque and cultural centre.
The new building, in York Road, Exeter, will open this Wednesday, October 26, and is the culmination of years of fundraising, which has drawn approximately �1.7 million from different sources.
The development is in response to the growing Muslim population in the area, which has increased five-fold since the Islamic Centre of the South West was first established in York Road, Exeter in 1978.
Based on a traditional design, the mosque includes an elaborate dome and minaret and prayer hall for daily prayers and Friday sermons.
A large community hall is incorporated within the building, and will also be available for local events and activities.
The centre’s board of trustees said: “The yearning of the Muslim community to have a purpose built mosque and cultural centre has finally been fulfilled.
“Planning permission was granted in 2000 and with strenuous efforts by the trustees and the Muslim community, funds were raised and the work was started in 2008.
“We are delighted by the finished building.”
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