A prominent Muslim billionaire, Asif Aziz, known as 'Mr West End' for his extensive property portfolio, is undertaking the construction of a grand mosque within London's entertainment district,
reveals The Mail on Sunday.
The Trocadero, situated between Piccadilly Circus and Soho, will house the three-storey mosque and Islamic center. The new facility, known as the "Piccadilly Prayer Space," will accommodate up to 390 worshippers and will fill the space left vacant since the closure of the Metro cinema in 2006.
Earlier proposals for a larger mosque, capable of hosting 1,000 people, faced opposition from residents and far-right groups, leading to their withdrawal in 2020. However, a revised planning application for a smaller development was approved by Westminster Council at the end of May.
A spokesperson from the council confirmed the approval, stating, "A planning application by the Aziz Foundation to convert a part of the London Trocadero was approved by the council's planning committee in May 2023."
The Trocadero, an iconic entertainment complex built in 1896, has undergone various transformations over the years. It featured an 11-story hotel called the Zedwell and served as an exhibition space and arcade-style attraction, including the UK's first 3D IMAX cinema. In 2011, it closed down and has since witnessed redevelopment plans.
Asif Aziz, through his charitable foundation, the Aziz Foundation, aims to establish the mosque to serve both local Muslims working in the area and tourists visiting London.
While the project moves forward, some critics question the suitability of building a mosque in an area known for its bars, nightclubs, and establishments catering to the LGBTQ+ community, which may conflict with Islamic principles.
Asif Aziz, who owns a property portfolio worth over £2 billion, made headlines during the COVID-19 lockdowns as tenants accused him of threatening winding-up petitions for late rent payments. In 2017, he was involved in a legal dispute with his estranged wife over their fortune, reaching a settlement out of court. Photo by London Attractions Guide, Wikimedia commons.