It was sold for £263,000 at auction with planning permission to convert it into a four bedroom house. The Islamic community stepped in to purchase the building which was one of the two original schools in Hethersett.
The new owners do not need planning permission as using the building for religious purposes is just a continuation of its past.
Over the weekend, I wrote a piece about the new centre for the local media. The new owners were keen to meet up, as was I, to discuss their plans for becoming a part of the local community. So far we haven't been able to sort out a date for that.
I did, however, send them a number of written questions which they answered fully and the transcript of which will be in my next Hethersett Herald e-magazine which will be out at the end of the month.
Essentially the organisers are professional men (most are doctors) and they are looking to work alongside the community. Below is the short piece I sent to the local press. It just gives a flavour of what is happening. Having thought deeply about this matter I am convinced that the centre will become a vital part of the diverse nature of our village and I'm looking forward to featuring their work in the future. Here is the article.
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A new mosque and Islamic community centre has been set-up in a Norfolk village with the organisers vowing to become an integral part of the local community.
The centre in Henstead Road, Hethersett, was bought at auction for £263,000 with planning permission to turn it into a four-bedroom home.
The purchasers will not be taking up this option, however, choosing to set-it up as a place for Islamic prayer and a community centre. Planning permission isn’t required for this as the building was previously owned by the parish church and used as a place of worship as well as a community hall.
“Many professionals living in the area don’t have a place of worship and this centre will fill the void needed to establish daily prayers and provide a peaceful and learning environment for generations to come,” the organisers state.
Most of those involved in the centre are doctors living locally, although they are quick to point out their diversity: “We are an inclusive and diverse group. We acknowledge differences, value diversity and celebrate cultural differences.”
“There are a considerable number of Muslim families living in and around Hethersett, including Wymondham, Cringleford and Eaton. Hethersett will provide a very convenient place away from the busy traffic of Norwich,” they added.
The organisers are planning to renovate the crumbling building, which began its life as one of two village schools, and return it to its former glory.
They stress they want to be an integral part of the local community:
“We will constantly keep in touch with the community leaders and religious principals in the area and will be conducting many social welfare activities like open days for the neighbours, food and cloth banks.”
“The Mosque will be a place where different communities and minorities can come together to share Ideas and thoughts, ask questions, make recommendations and unite society towards issues of mutual benefit. This will attract more professionals to move to this area as most facilities will be within the village.”
The organisers will also be holding an open day for local residents.