The local Muslims in Milton Keynes have a number of mosques they can go to in order to pray Jumah (Friday prayers); all but one of these are converted premises (usually houses) which are filled to capacity when used.All spaces used by the MKMA are hired and most activities take place at the Fishermead Trinity Centre which is a shared amenity.
By not having a specific building the MKMA are prevented from committing to or making full use of any one place; the added time securing and organising premises is time consuming and often places strain on the organisation and the good work it carries out for the local community.
It also means that the MKMA has to compete with others for bookings and space, something which is becoming increasingly inadequate for a population which is both growing and actively seeking to promote cultural activities for itself and the wider community; one such example is that Jumah is currently held at the Fishermead Christian centre, which leads to booking problems and the need to find alternative accommodation on the holy Christian occasion of Good Friday.
We have a one acre plot of land reserved at Coffee Hall and below is part of the letter from the Community Foundation relating to this matter. The conditions arose from the Board’s requirement for clarity on 3 main issues, namely representation, local consultation and funding:
Representation – The Board noted that the Muslim Community in MK is built up of several national communities and expressions of Islam. They appreciate that MKMA is a newly formed group wishing to address the important issue of bringing these groups together, integrating them and establishing a focal home for Islam within the city. It was agreed that locally this is an important priority. They also agreed that for integration to happen the Islamic Community needs to see the plans for this centre move forward. They consider therefore that in offering the site on a 12 months reserve basis MKMA can demonstrate a strong vision of intent to the Muslim Community. The Board stated that at the end of the 12 months MKMA will need to have evidence of representation.
Local community - This project will have a significant impact on the immediate community and therefore consultation and communication with the local parish council, which serves the Coffee Hall is needed. As you will see we are well on the way but this is only the start of a long and arduous journey. The key factor is the support of the Masjids at Wolverton, Bletchley and New Bradwell.
Funding – The Board also noted that within the application form MKMA state that the financial provision for the project is determined on being able to show supporters a confirmed lease. It is hoped that offering a reservation for a one-year period will enable MKMA to secure some funding. Again at the end of this period evidence of funding will be required. The Board wished me to pass on their support for this application and hope that the MKMA trustees will welcome this decision.
Initial steps now revolve around raising money, conduct searches, negotiating the 125 year lease, get drawings, planning permission and all the other steps which need to be conducted on what will be one of the greatest projects Milton Keynes has ever seen.
| We are looking for the following persons: | ||
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•Quantity Surveyor |