A NEW £750,000 mosque could be built in Bury and help forge greater understanding of the Muslim faith. For a library and conference facility will also be provided as part of the new mosque proposed for a site off Bell Lane, Bury.

The location is close by the existing Bury Islamic Centre and Jama Mosque in Church Street.

Behind the plans are the religious leaders who have provided worship at the Islamic Centre since 1979.

They say once the new mosque is built, other religious leaders and representatives of the host nation will be invited to view the building.

Mr Liaqat Ali, chairman of Bury Islamic Centre and former chairman of Bury Racial Equality Council, is behind the idea.

An outline planning application has been submitted to Bury Council.

Mr Ali said: "This will be a brand new, purpose-built mosque with other amenities including conference and library facilities.

"This will be to cater for Muslims but we will also invite people from other religions and the host community to come along."

In keeping with the policy of other mosques opening in the UK, the new place of worship will seek to host visits from college students and schoolchildren aimed at providing religious and other information.

The site earmarked for the new mosque is virtually across from the existing Bury Islamic Centre.

If given the go-ahead, the building will be two-storey and will cater for up to 500 worshippers.

It will also provide separate prayer facilities for men and women. One of the most eye-catching features will be a main dome and four minarets.

"One of our main requirements is to increase our religious education and we are continuing that progress," added Mr Ali.

"Once the new mosque is built, we will be maintaining the old building which will supplement the new one."

Although the present Bury Islamic Centre caters for between 300-400 worshippers, the new mosque will provide greater prayer accommodation. "This new mosque will be purpose-built. We don't have that facility already in Bury. It will be built according to very high standards," Mr Ali added.

The money for the building will be provided through existing mosque funds, although Mr Ali stressed donations would be welcomed.

If planning permission is granted, it is hoped the mosque could be up and running by the end of the year.

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