‘State of the art’ new proposed mosque brings eastern and western cultures to Evanston South

A new “state of the art” mosque has been proposed for Adelaide’s outer suburbs with a unique design that brings the east and west together. See the pictures.

The new “state of the art” mosque proposed for the northern suburbs. Picture: Plan SA

A new multi million dollar “state of the art” mosque has been proposed for the outer northern suburbs with a design unlike any built in Australia before.

An application lodged with Plan SA reveals the modern design of the fourth mosque built by the Islamic Society of SA – which President Ahmed Zreika says brings together the east and west to the growing Muslim community in the northern suburbs.

“This one is going to be significant, especially as it is going to be adjacent to one of the largest Islamic cemeteries in South Australia,” Mr Zreika said.

The mosque is designed as a single story building spanning 1,101 sqm. Picture: Plan SA

More than 100 car parks will be built to accommodate the visitors to the mosque. Picture: Plan SA

“Based on the last Australian Bureau of Statistics stats, the population of the Muslim community is growing rapidly, and the majority of them are living in the north.”

Mr Zreika said early estimates for the Evanston South mosque’s construction anticipate it will cost close to $4 million to build the 1,101 sqm single story building.

The mosque will be located in the Gawler council area of Evanston South. Picture: Plan SA

“We are a not-for-profit organisation and when we build a project, like a mosque, we rely on the generosity of community donations,” Mr Zreika said.

The plans reveal the single story building will include prayer rooms, a library and reading rooms, an office, kitchen and amenities.

More than 100 new carparking spaces will be built accessible from Smith Rd, to accommodate the maximum 306 people the mosque can cater to.

Elements of the mosque’s exterior pay homage to eastern culture. Picture: Plan SA

The exterior will include solid concrete walls with glass windows. Picture: Plan SA

Mr Zreika said the designs drew inspiration from the eastern architectural traditions and the modern western designs to appeal to the growing community and non-Muslims alike.

“They would love to see different kinds of architecture,” he said.

The mosque will directly border the Smithfield Memorial Park and the Gawler Gateway Tourist Park, just off Main North Rd.

The plans said the building would be used for daily prayers, occasional funeral services and religious day services.

Mr Zreika said that the approved mosque would create a number of jobs for the community – during construction and with the routine care of the facilities once complete.

Members of the community looking to submit a response to the plans can visit the Plan SA website before June 19.