Teesside’s first ever purpose-built mosque is taking shape. The first two stages of development for the new three-storey building in Stockton are now complete. The final stage will see the bricks and mortar built around the steel structure. And members of the mosque committee are predicting the building could be opened by late 2009 or early 2010. Ward councillor Mohammed Javed, 47, told the Gazette: “We have completed the second stage and it’s now a case of putting up the bricks.” Designed by award-winning architect Al-Samarraie, the £2.2m mosque will boast a stunning 90ft minaret and will be able to accommodate more than 3,000 people. In addition to the prayer house, the mosque will also feature computer and conference rooms and a library. “We will have a proper library where students looking to read about Islam can come and we’ll also have funeral facilities and special rooms for ladies’ functions and children’s classes,” said Cllr Javed.
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