Pictures of Makkah Mosque expansion in Great Lever

And worshippers describe the development in Great Lever as 'very exciting'.

Worshippers at Makkah Mosque, Grecian Lane, have been waiting for more than a decade for a larger premise, with fundraisers and donations from the community going towards its cost..

The current building is said to overcrowded, especially during Friday prayers.

“It’s one thing knowing it was going to be built, but actually seeing it being built is really exciting,” Bilal Ahmed from Makkah Mosque said.

The frame of the new building (Image: HENRYLISOWSKI) He added: “Our current building is just getting busier and busier, and we need something bigger to accommodate the growing religious population.

“I’m really excited for it, it will be beautiful.”

Mr Ahmed explained how the expansion, which is being built in Makkah Mosque’s car park, has been shaped by the area’s Muslim community.

(Image: Henry Lisowski)

He said: “I expect it will be really busy and well-used once it’s constructed, it’s being built in the community for the community.

“They have had a say in what it will look like, and for many years people have been hosting fundraisers and donating money to make it happen.

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“But it’s obviously been really difficult to get it going with the cost of everything going up.

“The community is great, we are all together and everyone can’t wait for it to open.”

(Image: HENRYLISOWSKI) Hundreds of Muslims gathered at the Makkah Mosque on Sunday (September 15) to celebrate the birthday of the Prophet Muhammad.

The event saw worshippers take part in a faith walk starting at the mosque, after a wide range of food, tea, coffee and ice cream was offered to those taking part.

(Image: HENRY LISOWSKI)

People travelled from far and wide for the event, including far-flung destinations like Mauritius, Spain, Italy and South Africa. 

Mr Ahmed added: “Once the expansion is built it will be really good for those sorts of gatherings.”

Thanks to Henry Lisowski for the pictures