We, the undersigned, call upon the Royal Borough of Greenwich to work in partnership with local residents and community organisations to identify and provide a suitable, long-term space in Kidbrooke for community use, including a dedicated prayer facility.

Kidbrooke is a rapidly growing and increasingly diverse area, home to a wide range of families and communities, including a significant and growing Muslim population. Despite this, there remains no permanent, accessible space within Kidbrooke for Muslims to carry out their daily prayers or gather for regular worship.

Over the past year, Kidbrooke Islamic Centre (KIC) has taken the initiative to support this need by delivering consistent Friday (Jummah) prayers, youth education programmes, and wider community activities, including well-attended initiatives during Ramadan.

This work has demonstrated both commitment and clear community demand. Attendance at Friday prayers has grown significantly, with congregations now consistently reaching — and at times exceeding — venue capacity. This has led to overcrowding and highlights the urgent need for a more suitable and sustainable space that can safely accommodate the community.

At present, the community relies on temporary, shared venues. While appreciated, these arrangements are limited in availability, constrained in capacity, and not viable as a long-term solution. This restricts not only religious practice, but also the ability to deliver structured educational programmes and broader community services.

A dedicated and appropriately resourced space would deliver significant benefits to the wider Kidbrooke community, including:

Providing a safe and structured environment for young people through madrassa and academic tuition
Supporting youth development, wellbeing, and positive engagement
Strengthening community cohesion, inclusion, and social integration
Enabling the delivery of community initiatives such as food support, advice services, and outreach programmes
Reducing the need for residents to travel outside the area to access basic services

We respectfully urge the council to explore practical and collaborative solutions, including the allocation of underutilised buildings, shared community assets, or long-term leasing opportunities, in partnership with trusted local organisations such as Kidbrooke Islamic Centre.

This request is grounded in demonstrated need, proven community delivery, and a shared vision for a stronger, more inclusive Kidbrooke.

We ask the Royal Borough of Greenwich to engage constructively with local stakeholders and take meaningful steps towards establishing a suitable, sustainable space that serves both religious and wider community needs.

Sign this petition to support a stronger, safer, and more connected Kidbrooke community.