Wollongong's Muslim residents look set to worship in their new mosque within months.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Work continues apace on the Omar Mosque redevelopment in Gwynneville, a project that has been in the works for nine years.
Mosque chairman Dr Munir Hussain anticipated the building would be completed within two months.
"The community will have a big mosque which will cater for the needs of Muslims for the next 50 years," Dr Hussain said.
The new mosque will accommodate up to 1000 people, although the number of people in the building at any one time will be lower, due to council regulations.
It will include prayer halls, a multipurpose space, and parking for up to 40 cars.
Construction work began at the end of July last year, but progress since has been slowed by inclement weather.
The first concept plan for the mosque was drawn up in 2012, and after numerous meetings with council and flood, traffic and noise studies, a development application was submitted in 2014.
The application was approved in 2016.
Do you have a story tip? Email cos@illawarramercury.com.au
Dr Hussain said he was "very excited" to see the project coming to fruition.
"It will be an excellent place for the community to come in, to worship, and to make social contacts," he said.
Dr Hussain said the Muslim population of the area was growing rapidly due to the arrival of refugees.
"We have outgrown the small mosque," he said.
"It can no longer fulfil the needs of the expanding community."
People from 19 countries attend the present Omar Mosque, including hundreds of students.
The project to build a new place of worship has been propelled by the community, with 80 per cent of the cost of the new mosque covered through fundraising.
The current mosque began its life as a place of worship for Muslims after it was purchased from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in 1994.
The building was constructed in 1963 as a synagogue. It will be demolished and the space will be landscaped as part of the redevelopment.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
