LONDON: Asif Aziz, a Muslim billionaire, has been given approval to transform the iconic London landmark Trocadero into a mosque. The Trocadero was acquired by Aziz in 2005 for over £220 million ($363 million), and the project is expected to be led by his charitable organization, the Aziz Foundation.
The mosque is anticipated to open in the coming months and will have a capacity for 390 worshippers.
The Aziz Foundation has stated that the vacant space in the basement of the Trocadero will be utilized as a mosque, allowing Muslim workers in the area to have a dedicated place for prayer.
Muslim billionaire Asif Aziz granted permission to turn London landmark Trocadero into mosque with 390 person capacity.
Mr Aziz bought the Trocadero itself for more than £220 million ($363 million) in 2005.
It’s believed he is founding the mosque through his charitable arm, the… pic.twitter.com/TGqDtVJrVQ
— Zulfiqar Ahmed 🤔 (@ZulfiqarAhmed69) July 17, 2023
The Mosque Will Serve Muslim Workers and Tourists Visiting London
The foundation has emphasized that the mosque intends to serve both Muslim workers and tourists visiting London. The recent planning application for the smaller-scale development was approved by Westminster Council in late May, after a previous proposal for a larger 1,000-capacity mosque was withdrawn in 2020 due to opposition from residents and far-right groups.
The Aziz Foundation also provides scholarship opportunities and internships to Muslim students, aiming to foster growth and confidence within the community.
