Designating Glasgow Central Mosque
Feedback updated 12 Feb 2025
We asked
From 24 July to 2 October 2024, Historic Environment Scotland (HES) sought views on a proposal to list Glasgow Central Mosque.
The Glasgow Central Mosque is a purpose-built Mosque and Islamic Centre and was designed and built between 1977 and 1984. It is a landmark building in Glasgow and is prominently located on the southern bank of the Clyde.
The building is an outstanding example of a purpose-built mosque design in Scotland and a significant example of the use of Postmodern style of architecture. It is the first mosque building designed according to Islamic architectural traditions in the country and reinterprets these forms and features in a contemporary way. The distinctive design also reflects local architecture by using materials such as red brick, pigmented red concrete to reference the red sandstone traditionally used in many of Glasgow’s buildings.
Planned from the 1950s, the building is a rare and very early example of a purpose-built mosque and includes Scotland’s first purpose-built Islamic centre. The building remains Scotland’s largest mosque and is among only a small number ever built.
The Mosque is also of outstanding social historical interest for how it tells the story of the development of the Muslim community in Scotland in the second half of the 20th century.
Through Citizen Space, we invited members of the public to tell us if they agreed with the proposed designation and if they had further comments to make.
We consulted directly with Glasgow Central Mosque as the owners of the building and Glasgow City Council as the planning authority.
Our selection guidance for designation and the policies we work to are published in the Designations Policy and Selection Guidance document.
You said
We received 14 comments at consultation. Of the responses 11 were in favour of listing and three responses objected to listing. No issued were raised that put into question the special architectural or historic interest of the Glasgow Central Mosque. We have addressed the detailed comments we received in our Report of Handling.
We did
After considering the comments received during consultation, we have listed the building at category A, listed building ref: LB52642.
We have published a Report of Handling for this case on the Heritage Portal. This can also be downloaded below:
Overview
We are proposing to designate Glasgow Central Mosque, 1 Mosque Avenue, Glasgow as a listed building, at category A.
The Glasgow Central Mosque is a purpose-built Mosque and Islamic Centre and was designed and built between 1977 and 1984. It is a landmark building in Glasgow and is prominently located on the southern bank of the Clyde.
The building is an outstanding example of a purpose-built mosque design in Scotland and a significant example of the use of Postmodern style of architecture. It is the first mosque building designed according to Islamic architectural traditions in the country and reinterprets these forms and features in a contemporary way. The distinctive design also reflects local architecture by using materials such as red brick and pigmented red concrete to reference the red sandstone traditionally used in many of Glasgow’s buildings.
Planned from the 1950s, the building is a rare and very early example of a purpose-built mosque and includes Scotland’s first purpose-built Islamic Centre. The building remains Scotland’s largest mosque and is among only a small number ever built.
The Mosque is also of outstanding social historical interest for how it tells the story of the development of the Muslim community in Scotland in the second half of the 20th century.
View of interior of the dome of Glasgow Central Mosque © Historic Environment Scotland
We are now gathering views on our proposal to list this building at category A.
To help you respond to the following survey, please read why we think the Glasgow Central Mosque meets the criteria for listing by downloading our Report of Handling. You can also download a copy of the proposed Listing Map.
How we designate listed buildings
We list buildings of special architectural or historic interest. A dedicated team researches and assesses all designation applications.
You can find out more about listed buildings in the Advice and Support section of the Historic Environment Scotland website, and read our Designation Policy and Selection Guidance (2019).
To merit listing, the structure must meet set listing criteria.
Find out about the listing process.
Why your views matter
We’d love to hear your thoughts and whether you agree with our proposal. You can do this by completing the short questionnaire below. We are also keen for any more information that you might have about the building/site, which will enhance our understanding of its significance and our record.
This questionnaire usually takes 5-10 minutes to complete.
Find out what comments we consider and what happens next in our consultation guide or watch our designations video on YouTube.
For a version of this video in British Sign Language, please visit our Youtube channel.
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