AN ambitious project which aims to transform one the oldest mosques in Blackburn is taking shape.

The Masjid-e-Rizwan, located in Newton Street, was first established in the 1970s. Before the onset of major wedding venues, the function hall adjoining the building hosted hundreds of weddings and special events.

The project, which is being funded by private donations, aims to renovate the building making into a modern mosque and community space.

New drone images show the roof and exterior of the building taking shape which is located close to the new Lidl at Furthergate.

The estimated cost of the renovations is said to be upwards of £800,000 and the new mosque will accommodate 450 worshippers.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Many people may remember the location where they attended their first Asian wedding

A spokesperson for the mosque said: “Work has begun on the mosque the interior of the building has been completely gutted.

“It is one of the longest established mosques in the borough and many people will remember having their first experience of weddings in these halls in the seventies and eighties.

“We are hoping to maintain the old look but make it into something more modern that serves the community locally.

“Presently, we are fundraising and reaching out to people from across the community to help support the project.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

What the new build is set to resemble when finished

In 2019 trustees of the Kokni Muslim Association were given planning permission to rebuild and extend the mosque.

The extensions aim to "provide ladies and men’s worshipping floorspace, as well as better washing facilities, funeral preparation facilities, a library, IT room, storage space and an office".