Swansea Mosque & Islamic Community Centre, Swansea

The Swansea Mosque & Islamic Community Centre, located on Saint Helen’s Road, has been a vital hub for the Muslim community in Swansea since the 1980s. Housed in two former terraced commercial buildings, the mosque has expanded its role from being a simple place of worship to becoming a central pillar of the multicultural community in the city. Serving around 10,000 Muslims from South and West Wales, Swansea Mosque is the largest mosque in Wales, reflecting the rapid growth of the local Muslim population.

In response to this growth, a redevelopment project is underway to transform a disused church on the same street into a new mosque. Originally built in 1864 as Saint Andrew’s Church by Scottish immigrants, the building has a rich history, with its ornate twin-tower façade designed by John Dickson. The building, which once belonged to the United Reformed Church, fell into disrepair before being purchased by a Muslim charity in 1997. Plans for restoration began in 2004, despite opposition from groups like the British National Party.

The mosque plays a multifaceted role in the community, not only providing a space for prayer but also fostering open discussions on social issues, offering educational opportunities, and promoting social cohesion. Its warm and welcoming atmosphere is well known, and it serves as a platform for engaging with both the Muslim and wider communities in Swansea. With a mission to promote understanding of Islam’s core values, Swansea Mosque aims to build a harmonious society that embraces diversity and mutual respect.