New Islamic centre in Golders Green will 'forge ties with Jews'

“We can’t wait to get to know our neighbours and plan to welcome them at an open day sometime in December.”

The centre, which as well as providing a prayer space will host classes and community activities, opens this weekend.

Mr Al-Kazemi said he had been in touch with interfaith group Interfaith Matters to discuss setting up meetings with other communities in the area.

“We don’t know people yet but want to get to know them. We will be reaching out to the local churches and synagogues so we can build strong ties with the community,” he said.

The building was built by the acclaimed theatre architect Bertie Crewe in 1913 and was originally a 3,000-seat music venue.

It became a BBC television studio and concert hall in 1969 and hosted live concerts and recordings. The first two episodes of Monty Python’s Flying Circus series were also recorded at the venue in 1969. In later years it was the home of the El Shaddai Christian Centre.