Muslim Property Tycoon To Convert London’s Trocadero to Islamic Center

Following an enduring legal tussle, Malawi-origin real estate mogul Asif Aziz has triumphed in his quest to reshape a cornerstone of London’s cityscape, the famed Trocadero building. Plans have been set in motion to convert this iconic locale into a mosque and an Islamic cultural center, bringing a new spiritual dimension to the heart of one of the city’s most vibrant districts.

The transformed Trocadero, slated to be christened as the “Piccadilly Prayer Space”, will boast three tiers of prayer facilities, catering to as many as 390 worshippers, according to information divulged by The Mail on Sunday. This marks a considerable expansion of Islamic worship spaces in the area, positioning the iconic building as a beacon for Muslims in the city.

Nestled strategically between the bustling Piccadilly Circus and the artsy Soho district, the Trocadero has been a familiar landmark and leisure hub for locals and tourists alike. Its intricate Arthurian murals and arresting baroque façade have served as the backdrop for a plethora of establishments, from fashionable restaurants to avant-garde exhibition spaces. Yet, despite its prominent position and unique aesthetics, the building has remained unoccupied since 2011, silently echoing its rich past.

Aziz, who made a name for himself as the founder and CEO of Criterion Capital, envisioned the dormant Trocadero springing back to life as a large mosque, capable of hosting 1,000 worshippers. This ambitious endeavor, launched in 2020, however, met with substantial resistance from local residents, forcing Aziz to reevaluate his approach.

Undeterred by the initial setback, the billionaire developer returned with a more refined vision, even though the reimagined project has already attracted attention from far-right figures in the country. The Westminster Council granted planning permission to convert parts of the famed complex into an Islamic center in May of this year, marking a significant victory for Aziz.

With the municipal approval secured, Aziz aims to inaugurate the mosque and the accompanying Islamic center under the auspices of his charitable organization, the Aziz Foundation, within a few months. This addition to his property portfolio, estimated to be worth more than £2 billion, is anticipated to add a remarkable feather to his cap.

Aziz, who originally purchased the Trocadero back in 2005 for over £220 million, anticipates the center serving not only the local Muslim community but also Muslim tourists visiting London. As such, it signifies his commitment to promoting cultural diversity and interfaith understanding within the heart of the British capital.

Originally constructed in 1896, the Trocadero opened its doors as an upscale restaurant before transitioning into an entertainment complex in 1984. Now, as it embarks on a fresh chapter under Aziz’s guidance, it continues to embody the dynamic spirit of London. This resonates particularly strongly given that 15 percent of the city’s population is Muslim, a demographic further bolstered by the annual summer influx of Muslim tourists. With the new Islamic center, the Trocadero promises to be a welcoming sanctuary for this significant community, reinforcing London’s commitment to multiculturalism and religious inclusivity.