A Night With Angels

As part of the renovation, we will be completely refreshing the bathroom facility used by sisters. Currently, the bathroom is not fit for purpose as there is no dedicated wudhu Khana station and other essential items such as an extractor fan. Insha’Allah, we plan on installing a new toilet, wudhu station, extractor fan, sink, and installing and concealing all pipework.

Insha’Allah, we will be installing underfloor heating in the wudhu area, toilet corridor, and the porch area in the back entrance. The £3000 quote includes all labour, installation and materials.

As part of the renovation, the entire centre will be given a much needed fresh coat of paint. Doors will be varnished where necessary as well. The £6000 figure includes the cost of the paint, varnish and labour.

As part of the renovation works, we will be upgrading and relocating the Centre’s water system; the boiler, the hot water cylinders, pressure tanks etc,  from its current location in the upstairs office to downstairs. This will increase the space of the upstairs side room at the back of the MEC, creating a more productive area for classes and a larger space for sisters to use for events and taraweeh prayers.  The new plumbing will also allow us to cater for our proposed plan to increase the capacity of the wudhu spaces and toilets.

With the growing number of musallis for salaah, and children attending the centre for madrasah classes, there has been an increasing demand for washroom facilities. Alhamdulillah, the current wudhu area and toilets( installed in the Centre when first opened in 1999) have served the Centre well over the years; however they are no longer sufficient to meet the needs of the growing congregation. By expanding the wudhu area and increasing the number of toilets, the Centre can better accommodate the needs of the congregation and children, ensuring that they have access to necessary facilities without any inconvenience. The renovation of the wudhu area will include installing under-floor heating. The renovation of the toilets will also include installing a cubicle with shower facilities for use during itikaaf, and by other visitors who may stay the night at the Centre.

A new suspended ceiling is a necessary aspect of the renovation project in modernising and making the masjid feel more welcoming. The existing ceiling in the Centre’s masjid halls are damaged, with cracks and stains visible in certain places. A new suspended ceiling will enhance the aesthetic appeal of the masjid halls, making it a more inviting and comfortable space for musallis. Furthermore, the new ceiling will be raised higher to create more vertical space, making it more comfortable for the congregation during peak times. As part of the new ceiling, wires for lighting, speakers, and other electrical systems will be organised and where necessary, replaced, ensuring the safety of the Centre.

The need for rewiring the centre is a crucial aspect of the renovation project. Currently, the consumer unit is located in the toilets, which is, without having to be stated, an unsafe location. Moving the consumer unit to a safe and accessible location will be necessary for the centre’s safety. Additionally, there are issues with the fuse tripping due to old wiring. A full rewiring is thus necessary to ensure that the centre’s electrical system is up to code and safe for its members. The rewiring will also provide the opportunity to upgrade the electrical system to meet the growing demands of the centre. During the works, we will also be installing better lighting, particularly in the downstairs wudhu area and toilets and in the classrooms.

Relocating the staircase is a crucial part of the renovation, creating a more accessible route for our attendees and children to access the upstairs halls. The new staircase will be wider and more accessible, ensuring the Centre meets fire safety regulations. This is a crucial aspect of the renovation plan as it ensures the safety of the Centre’s occupants, particularly during crowded events.

Alhamdulillah, we are honoured to have a growing number of children who regularly attend the madrasah. As part of our commitment to safeguarding, we will be installing an Access Control system during the renovation works this Summer. An Access Control system will help us regulate access to specific classrooms of the Centre, during certain times of the day – specifically madrasah hours. By installing access control, the Centre can better monitor and regulate the individuals who enter and exit, ensuring that our children, teachers and attendees stay safe.

As part of our renovation, we recognise the importance of a well-designed and functional mihrab. Our new mihrab will be designed with attention to detail, reflecting our rich Islamic heritage and aesthetics. We hope that this new addition will not only serve as a beautiful and functional element of our masjid but also inspire a deeper connection with our faith and bring our community closer together.