Havering Islamic Cultural Centre (HICC) is planning to move to South Street, with its site in Waterloo Road being bought to accommodate the Bridge Close regeneration scheme.
The council is legally obliged to pay for “equivalent like-for-like reinstatement” by purchasing the HICC a new site.
But the HICC has to raise money needed beyond that, and it is fundraising £4.5million towards the mosque.
It is planned on the site formerly home of the Brickyard bar and then barbecue restaurant Smokey’s Shack.
The Bridge Close regeneration project includes more than 1,000 homes, a new primary school, health services, community and business space.
Councillor Graham Williamson, cabinet member for development and regeneration, said: “Whilst we had originally considered that the centre could be provided as part of the existing plans for Bridge Close, we fully support the HICC’s decision to seek an alternative location in Romford as well as their wish to expand their services to their congregation and the wider community.”
The new location in South Street would continue to offer a range of cultural, educational, and social activities.
The proposal includes prayer halls, education space and community space, as well as room for a foodbank and soup kitchen for the community.
Councillor Williamson said: “We have been engaging with owners and occupiers of South Street for some time to help make this a reality.
“A move requires HICC to raise significant additional funding from the community, in addition to the settlement, based upon compulsory purchase principles for the existing site.”
Representatives from the cabinet and regeneration team will also be attending the consultation drop-in event.
It will be open from 3.30pm to 6.30pm near Sainsbury’s at the Brewery.
The proposals are also on display at hicc.your-feedback.co.uk, where comments can be made until Friday, March 14.
John Lester, chair of Havering’s InterFaith Forum, said: “We respect our Interfaith Forum relationships and have a very good understanding of each other’s values.
“It is for that reason that all members of the Interfaith Forum support the HICC’s plans to relocate in Romford.
“The proposals will allow them to offer broader services to their congregation, as well as continuing to serve the local community, as they have done for many years.
“We can achieve so much more together to help improve our community, rather than focusing on what divides us.”
