THE TEAM Aziz Foundation Asif Aziz – Founder and Chair Aftab Ahmed – Programmes Officer Nadeem Nayab – Finance and Operations Manager Atelier | U W A Architects Umair Waheed – Charted Architect Yahya Bulbulia – Architectural Assistant Zaeem Ahmed – Architectural Assistant Concilio Comms Nick Dines – Founder and Managing Director Nathan Parsad – Account Director Centro Planning Consultancy Luke Raistrick – Managing Director Criterion Capital James Burfitt – Head of Construction 2
EXISTING SITE AND USE The application site is situated on Rupert Street in the basement of the Trocadero Theatre. The unit was created in the early 1980s (as part of the original Trocadero complex), and used as a cinema between the mid-eighties and 2006, when the operator vacated, since then it has been vacant. The Council granted planning permission last year for a change of use to Class D1 (community and arts centre). 3
WESTMINSTER – POPULATION + DEMOGRAPHIC 4
EXISTING 3D PLANS + CHANGES 5
PROPOSED PLANS The proposed mosque will incorporate a double height prayer space, ablution facilities, and a mezzanine allocated for women's prayer. In addition, a café space and classrooms / multi- function space will be made available to all members of the community. 6
PROPOSED 3D PLANS / CGI VIEWS 7
PROPOSED ABLUTION AREA Cconceptual Ablution Fountain 8
SITE ADVANTAGES / WEAKNESSES Site Advantages - The site has access from Rupert Street and a link to Piccadilly Circus Underground Station. - The implementation of a thriving D1 Community Centre will increase footfall in the area and promote economic activity. - The proposed mosque will provide multi-function facilities for all and encourage interfaith dialogue. - The site location is located within the CAZ (Central Activity Zone) and will broaden the D1 offer within Westminster. - The PTAL rating is 6b (Excellent). Site Weaknesses - No Disabled Access. - Various areas within the existing plan have not been utilised to maximum efficiency i.e. redundant corridor space. - Low M+E services which do not allow for sufficient floor to ceiling heights. - There are currently disconnected spaces which are an impediment to communal D1 Use. - Dead frontages. Planning Case - The Proposed Trocadero Mosque is providing much needed community/social infrastructure to meet an identified need (evidenced through counts and photographs). - We consider that this is a very important material consideration which outweighs the policy presumption against the loss of the lawful arts and culture use. - The unit is already subject to an extant planning permission for a quasi-community use. 9
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