Fury in London’s ‘last town’ over huge new Islamic centre | UK | News
A plan by a leading Shiite Muslim group to build a major community center in Harefield, known as London’s “last town” for its rural charm and traditional character, has been fiercely opposed by locals. The conflict began in October 2022, when London’s Khoja Shiite Ithna-Ashari Muslim Community (KSIMC) purchased the 6.3-acre Widewater Place office campus for £33 million.
Featuring three large buildings near the area’s picturesque green space, the site is intended to become “Hujjat Harefield”, a center for social, community and occasional religious use. The latest updates in 2025 also point to a push for the “Hujjat Living” project, which will transform parts of the campus into more than 130 residential apartments as well as community facilities.
Harefield, a community of 7,000 in the borough of Hillingdon, is proud of its history, Anzac war memorials and traditional British character. Local people fear that this development will lead to a “dramatic change in character”; This raises major concerns about traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure and the impact of thousands of additional visitors.
While earlier KSIMC materials suggested the potential involvement of 6,000 to 10,000 people (these figures were later dropped from publicity), residents still describe the project as a “massive imposition” and a “community within a community”.
Leading campaigner Gerard Barry said: Great Britain News: “It would be a dramatic change for a village like ours. We will definitely not accept it.” Local resident Kathy Rumsby highlighted the physical pressure on the area, stating that the village does not have the infrastructure to handle such a high volume of cars.
Tim Wheeler, a local businessman and Reform councilor candidate, warned that the project would change “the atmosphere and tradition of Harefield beyond recognition, very, very quickly”. A petition against the plans has now collected nearly 4,000 signatures, with ongoing uncertainty reportedly deterring local house sales and investment.
KSIMC argues that the multi-purpose facility is “for everyone in Harefield” and highlights interfaith interaction and the expected £2.8 million boost to the local economy. They held seminars and distributed flyers to shape recommendations through community consultation.
But many local residents feel sidelined. Hillingdon Conservatives, including village spokesman Tommy Balaam, describe it as a “large, 24-hour multi-use complex” intended for an external group rather than serving the immediate needs of the village.
Hillingdon Council has confirmed that although several “pre-approval” applications for residential use have been considered, a full planning application for the total redevelopment has not yet been submitted.
Tensions have risen recently following the approval of a two-metre high wire mesh security fence around the area, which locals saw as an early sign of secession. As opposition grows towards 2026, Harefield residents and local politicians remain determined to defend the unique identity of London’s “last city”.
Express.co.uk has approached KSIMC and Widewater Place for comment.
