Barking Community Forum moves forward to establishing a Community Centre in Upney
On Sunday 30th January, Barking Community Forum (BCF) delivered the donors appreciation dinner and update event for the Upney Community Centre (UCC) project.
Almost 100 donors, dignitaries and well-wishers who have donated or loaned large sums of money for the Upney Community Centre (UCC) project attended the event held at the Hedgecock Community Centre (HCC) to hear of the latest updates on their wish for a permanent community centre with prayer facilities on Upney Lane, Barking.
They heard from BCF management and the architects that their application had progressed beyond first and second pre-application consultation with Barking and Dagenham Council (Be The First) and the next step was go ahead with a full planning application.
The attendees were very pleased with the updates so far. They know that BCF is trying their utmost to establish a permanent solution for the Muslim community of Longbridge Ward and are willing to continue supporting them.
The opening inspirational talk was delivered by Imam Ajmal Masroor, of Abdullah Quilliam Mosque, Liverpool.
Harun Miah, Chair of BCF, outlined the journey so far and what lies ahead. He explained that UCC was not just a prayer space, but a holistic solution for the needs and aspirations of the community.
Nazrul Khan, Treasurer of BCF updated on the income and expenditure so far. The UCC project would require continued support from new donors, and extra patience from existing lenders.
Miftah Ahmed, of Cityscape Planning and Architecture outlined how he’d been supporting the project from the outset and will see this project till the end.
Further update events were planned for the future. The event was brought to a closure with closing remarks from Yousuf Khan of HCC, Imam Mostafa Abdalla of Al Noor Masjid, and a sumptuous 3 course silver service meal from Eastern Pride.
