Plans are being made to replace the damaged buildings at Morden’s Baitul Futuh Mosque, almost four and a half months after they were devastated by a fire.
Plumes of smoke were visible from miles around
The fire, which ripped through the administration buildings at the mosque in London Road on Saturday, September 26, needed 70 firefighters and 10 fire engines to get it under control.
In the first Friday prayers after the blaze, held on Friday, October 2, the Caliph of the Worldwide Ahmadiyya Muslim Community, His Holiness Hazrat Masroor Ahmad, told worshippers to stay strong in the face of adversity.
Thousands attend first prayers since devastating fire at western Europe's largest mosque
His Holiness said: “We say a much better and much bigger mosque will be built up.”
And it seems work to do just this is now under way, as vice president of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Youth Association UK, Farooq Aftab, has revealed that plans to replace the damaged buildings are being drawn up.
Devastated: The fire completely destroyed areas of the building
Mr Aftab said: “The repairs haven’t really started. We are seeing what designs will work for the new building.
Western Europe's largest mosque fire: First pictures show devastation at the Baitul Futuh Mosque
“In three or four months we’ll have a better idea, but we will still need to apply for planning permission. The repair work will take several months.”
He added: “We are just looking for the architects to give us the best designs for the best new building before we start anything.”
One man was treated in hospital for smoke inhalation after the blaze
Two teenage boys were arrested on suspicion of arson following the devastating fire.
Teenager arrested on suspicion of arson after Baitul Futuh Mosque fire re-bailed until April
A 16-year-old was released without charge, and a 14-year-old, who was originally bailed until early January, has been re-bailed until April while investigations continue.
The police are not treating the fire as a hate crime.
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