London’s growing Muslim community is a step closer to building a large new gathering place in the city’s southwest corner.

The Muslim Association of Canada has submitted a plan for Noor Gardens to the city’s Urban Design Peer Review Panel.

In the works for about five years, the $12-million complex on Southdale and Wonderland Roads would include an assembly hall that would also double as worship space. There will also be a gymnasium and wellness centre, a daycare and children’s recreational area, kitchen facilities, offices and conference centre facilities.

The 5.2 hectare site is also large enough to handle two planned expansions in the future

May El-Sadek, a spokesperson for the Noor Gardens project, said the complex has to be large enough to accommodate the growing Muslim community.

“We need more space that will last for a long time. For big events we now have to rent out halls and other spaces and sometimes it’s not feasible for all the people that come through,” she said.

El-Sadek said construction could begin this summer if the city grants all necessary approval and the building will be completed in 12-18 months.

“Once we get approval, we hope to move right away,” said El-Sadek.

The 2011 census said about five per cent of London’s population identify as Muslim.

Similar data for the 2016 census has not yet been released, but based on the 2016 city population of 383,822, the Muslim community would number almost 20,000.

El-Sadek said a large influx of Syrian refugees last year also boosted the Muslim community.

“The need was there before the newcomers came, but now it’s much more evident,” said El-Saldek.

A Ramadan fundraising dinner for the project will be held at the London Convention Centre on June 3 attended by the Muslim community as well as federal, provincial and municipal politicians.

A similar event held last year raised more than $700,000 for the project, and the same goal has been set for this year’s fundraiser.

“People are in a giving mood. It’s a chance for people to come together and break their fast together,” said El-Sadek.

hdaniszewski@postmedia.com

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