International Desk : Property tycoon Asif Aziz plans to convert part of the old Trocadero building in central London into a 390-capacity mosque for Muslims who work in the area as well as tourists

A property tycoon nicknamed ‘Mr West End’ has been given the green light to turn part of a famous London entertainment complex into a mosque.

Billionaire Asif Aziz has planning permission to convert the Trocadero – between Piccadilly Circus and Soho into an Islamic centre and house of prayer.

The 56 years old saw previous proposals for a 1,000 capacity mosque there withdrawn in 2020 following complaints from residents and far-right groups.

The approved plans will see space for 390 worshippers in the three-storey building. Mr Aziz is founding the mosque through his charity the Aziz Foundation.

Westminster Council gave the go-ahead at the end of May. It is understood that the site will be called ‘Piccadilly Prayer Space’ – though there remains some reservations among critics about its location.

The area in the heart of the city’s entertainment district is filled with alcohol-serving bars and clubs, as well as gay venues and strip clubs. All such activities go against the teachings of Islam.