jpnn.com, LONDON - The Indonesian Islamic Center (IIC) in London, UK, has sealed a deal to buy a former church building worth £1.4 million to be transformed into a mosque.
On Wednesday (22/12), representatives of the IIC mosque construction committee monitored for the second time the building in the Neasden area, North West London, about 9 km from the city center.
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The 2-storey building, with an area of 368.5 sqm, is strategic because it is close to an underground train - the main mode of transportation in London - as well as bus lines and the northern ring road connecting Central London.
"In addition, this building is licensed as a place of worship and can accommodate up to 500 worshipers," said Berry Natalegawa, a representative of the committee.
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"The building does not need major repairs, so it can be used immediately," he added.
The IIC needs to prepare £1.5 million, with £100,000 being the administrative costs of the transaction, including official survey fees and solicitor compensation.
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The IIC is bidding its current building and collecting donations to meet the target, but it is still £600,000 short, according to committee chairman Eko Kurniawan.
At least 100 Muslim followers in London and its surroundings have been using the IIC building since 2003, but the congregation needs more space to accommodate their various activities.
"This encourages us to immediately realize the construction of the IIC mosque, which has long been initiated by various Indonesian Muslim communities in London and its surroundings," said Memet Purnama Hasan, the IIC supervisory board chairman.
The IIC must collect £600,000 within the next six to nine months, said IIC treasurer Djamalulail. The committee is set to launch a fundraising program in 2022.
The IIC committee is available on WhatsApp at +44 7506 225882. (mcr20/jpnn)