Havering Council Cabinet Members are encouraging members of the public to participate in Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s (HICC) public consultation.
Havering Council Cabinet Members are urging local residents to take part in the public consultation for the proposed relocation of the Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC). The consultation is part of the pre-planning submission process for the Centre’s planned move to South Street, as the HICC works alongside the Council and Bridge Close Regeneration LLP (BCR LLP) to advance the regeneration of Bridge Close
The relocation comes after an agreement between the HICC and the Council, which is aiming to redevelop the Bridge Close area, a project that requires the acquisition of the Centre’s current premises. The Bridge Close regeneration plans will introduce a new primary school, community health services, business space, and affordable housing for the local population.
The Havering Islamic Cultural Centre’s planned move to South Street is seen as a positive step towards meeting the growing demand for its services and facilities, which will be expanded to better serve the congregation, the local community, and offer more educational, cultural, and social activities. This new location will continue to promote understanding, diversity, and social cohesion in Havering.
The Cabinet’s support for the consultation reflects the Council’s commitment to engaging with the community, ensuring all residents have a chance to express their views on this significant development. The Centre is encouraging local residents, businesses, and community groups to attend the public consultation event and share their thoughts.
The public consultation event is set for Thursday 27 February 2025 from 3.30pm to 6.30pm at The Brewery Shopping Centre (near Sainsbury’s). There, representatives from the Cabinet and the Regeneration team will be available to discuss the plans and answer questions. For those unable to attend, the proposals will be available on the HICC website, where comments can be submitted online until Friday 14 March 2025.
Councillor Graham Williamson, Cabinet Member for Development and Regeneration, shared his thoughts on the relocation, stating: “While we initially considered incorporating the Centre into the Bridge Close regeneration plans, we fully support the HICC’s decision to relocate to Romford. We have been working with the owners and occupiers of South Street to make this move a reality. We understand that this relocation will require the Centre to raise additional funds from the community, and we support their efforts in doing so.”
He continued, “We encourage all residents to engage in the consultation in a respectful and open-minded manner. It is important that we, as a community, respect each other’s values, beliefs, and rights to worship and meet.”
John Lester, Chair of Havering’s InterFaith Forum, also expressed his support for the HICC’s move. He said: “We have strong, positive relationships within our Interfaith Forum, and we understand and respect each other’s values. All members of the Forum support the HICC’s plan to relocate to Romford, as it will allow them to offer even more services to their congregation and the wider community. We believe we can achieve much more by working together rather than focusing on our differences.”
The HICC’s move will also require raising additional funding through community support, in addition to the funds set aside through compulsory purchase principles. Once the public consultation is complete, the HICC will submit its application for the relocation, which will follow the regular planning process.
The Cabinet’s support for the consultation and the Centre’s relocation marks a key step in Havering’s broader regeneration efforts. With the ongoing support from local residents and businesses, the HICC aims to continue providing valuable services to the community while contributing to the borough’s diverse cultural landscape. For more details on the proposals or to submit your comments, visit the HICC website. The public consultation will close on Friday 14 March 2025.
