Unfinished Cumbria mosque to open for Ramadan prayers

The partially completed South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton-in-Furness is hosting nightly congregational prayers ahead of Ramadan while its official opening is due in July, and organisers report concerns about far-right protests.

The partially completed South Lakes Islamic Centre in Dalton-in-Furness is being used for nightly congregational prayers ahead of Ramadan. Construction work is still under way and the building is a basic shell with exposed bricks, hanging wires and no fitted lights or heaters. The centre is due to open officially in July, but is being used outside construction hours so the local Muslim community can hold prayers during the holy month. For years local Muslim residents, many of them healthcare workers, had to travel or hire halls for worship because the nearest mosque is more than 50 miles away. Key facts: - South Lakes Islamic Centre (SLIC) is partially completed and is being used for nightly congregational prayers outside of construction hours. - The building is described as a shell with exposed bricks, hanging wires and no fitted lights or heaters. - Barrow council approved a planning application in 2022 for a three-storey mosque and community centre, and organisers have been fundraising toward a reported £2.5m cost. - Local Muslims previously rented function halls for Friday prayers, paying about £600 a month, and the nearest mosque to Barrow is in Lancaster, more than 50 miles away. - The site drew wider attention after a television feature and has seen demonstrations by far-right groups, while local supporters have organised counter-protests and plan inter-faith events after opening. Summary: The start of prayers at the unfinished centre allows local worship to take place in one dedicated space during Ramadan and reduces reliance on hired halls. The project remains scheduled to open officially in July, and local supporters and organisers say they will continue to mark events around the centre as planned.