Muslim businessman Asif Aziz, 56, a property developer known as 'Mr West End,' is building a three-level house of worship and Islamic centre within the Trocadero, the heart of London's entertainment district.
The three-story prayer space, with a capacity of 390 people, will occupy the area left vacant when a Metro theatre closed in 2006.
Previous plans for a 1,000-worshipper mosque on the site were dropped in 2020 because to opposition from neighbours and far-right parties. However, Westminster Council granted a planning proposal for a smaller development at the end of May 2023.
Considered sinful by Islam, critics were concerned whether the mosque should be constructed in a neighbourhood full of alcohol-serving bars, nightclubs, and Soho's gay venues and strip joints.
