As the new Cumbria mosque approaches full completion, the South Lakes Islamic Centre has begun opening its doors in a limited capacity, welcoming both Muslim worshippers and curious non-Muslim residents to explore the site, learn more about Islam, and help strengthen connections within the local community.
The site for the new mosque is located in the small English town of Dalton-in-Furness, which lies just outside Cumbria’s picturesque Lake District.
The £2.5 million South Lakes Islamic Centre project is being spearheaded by a group of local Muslim doctors at Barrow’s Furness General Hospital.
However, the mosque and its founders have faced a campaign of hate and harassment from far-right groups who have targeted the site since it hit the headlines of right-wing media in early 2025.
One local who attended the site told 5Pillars how she thought the mosque was already “beautiful” and feels “very special” despite not being fully completed at this stage.
“The day itself was simply… nice. It wasn’t dramatic or tense. It was just people coming together, being shown around, asking questions and chatting. The welcome was fantastic and there was a real sense of optimism and pride from the organisers, which was genuinely lovely to see.
“The building is still being completed, but it already feels very special. The design is thoughtful, with beautiful use of light and windows that give the space a calm, open atmosphere. It feels peaceful and, in my view, very much in keeping with the area.
What stayed with me most was how ordinary and neighbourly the whole experience felt.”
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Far-right protests
In early 2025, right-wing media platforms GB News and Talk TV began reporting negatively on the mosque after it became aware of fundraising efforts by local Muslims to secure funds needed to complete construction.
GB News and other right-wing pundits on X started pushing negative narratives, describing it as a “mega mosque” despite its modest size.
GB News Presenter Patrick Christys used the term “mega mosque” as far back as March 2025 while asking a guest to react to “whopping great big places of worship” being built.
What followed was a protest campaign led largely by Britain First and UKIP who would bus in activists to attend anti-mosque protests outside the construction site, calling for the mosque to be blocked.
South Lakes Islamic Centre has confirmed to 5Pillars that throughout the protests they have received a torrent of threatening and abusive emails and social media posts. Builders working on the site have also been trolled by activists including UKIP leader Nick Tenconi.
In a video posted on X, Tenconi could be seen heckling workers, calling them “traitors” who have “sold their soul.”
In a separate video, Tenconi films himself spouting Islamophobic propaganda and conspiracy theories against the mosque.
“There is absolutely no need to put a mosque here. And the soul reason is to artificially flood the area with Muslims as an extension of ‘operation scatter,’ including ISIS warriors, Johnny Jihads, Islamists and the dregs of the Third World.
“They will descend on this poor Cumbrian community. Our Lake District is a national institution. We are being conquered.”
Despite the threats and protests, the mosque has received significant support from locals, anti-racism activists and even some Christians in Cumbria who have condemned the presence of outsiders trying to sow division.
Anti-racism demonstrations have managed to gather several hundred activists, including local politicians, to perform counter protests outside in front of the mosque in order to defend the site from the far-right.
In July 2025, 5Pillars spoke to Emma, a local hijab wearing British convert, who explained why she came out to defend the mosque.
“As reverts it is important to come here today because a lot of the things they are shouting is about race. It’s not just about the mosque, its never been just about the mosque, they are angry about a lot of things such as race.
“As a British Muslim I want to stand here on behalf of my friends who are scared to come here because of what they (the anti-mosque protesters) are doing .. I am here because I love Islam and I love this mosque… Everyone deserves a safe place to worship God.”
Near total completion
The Islamic Centre is now very close to completion and has started opening its doors in a limited capacity to facilitate visits from curious locals wanting to learn more and Muslims desperate to start using the site to celebrate Ramadan.
On Friday, the mosque managed to host its first ever Jummah prayers with a sizeable turnout.
“We had a lot of new people show up who I have not seen before, alhamdulillah. We hope that once the site is fully open and able to accept regular visits, we will see any many more people come.”
The project missed its original deadline to open fully for Ramadan 2026, however, the SLIC has confirmed it is in its final stages but needs further support in order to pass the finishing line.
A spokesperson from the SLIC told 5Pillars: “After four decades of perseverance, the local Muslim community has achieved what many once considered impossible, the opening of their very own Masjid. The building remains an active construction site, with no heating, carpets, or washing facilities yet in place. But none of this has diminished the profound sense of achievement felt by those who gather there to pray. For a small community to have reached this milestone against considerable odds is a testament to the faith and sacrifice of its members.
The work, however, is not yet done. Significant funds are still needed to complete the building and provide worshippers with the facilities they deserve. This blessed month presents a unique opportunity, every contribution, no matter the size, will form a lasting part of this community’s legacy.”
A webpage has been set up which allows supporters to donate towards the project.
