The Marylebone architect submitted plans for the UK Albanian Muslim Community and Cultural Centre to Brent Council last month.

Ayad Al-tuhafi’s proposal involves demolishing the organisation’s existing two-storey building on a 513m² site at the junction of Carlton Vale and Rupert Road.

It will be replaced with a 13-storey tower holding a communal religious space, community centre and offices. The plans also include a café, prayer halls, multipurpose hall, and restaurant.

The community and cultural centre will occupy the ground to fifth storeys with office space proposed for the remaining floors.

The proposal orientates the prayer spaces towards the Kaaba in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, in the direction of prayer for Muslims, known as the Qibla.

Planning documents say the current low-rise building lacks storage space and facilities and offers poor security for users. It was formerly used by The Shamrock pub.

The UK Albanian Muslim Community and Cultural Centre was set up in 1996 to serve the surrounding community in South Kilburn.

Proposed design

• A commercial ground floor with Café on Carlton Vale serving the wider community

• Classrooms over 2 floors to teach students of all ages

• Prayer halls for both men and women with ablution facilities

• Funeral service and mortuary

• Multi-purpose hall for events and hire

• Luxury restaurant with outdoor terrace

• Rooftop multi-purpose dome and garden

• 9 residential flats for rental income to achieve financial sustainability and fund running costs, without relying on donations