King Charles visits Britain’s First Eco-Mosque in Cambridge

King Charles III visited Cambridge Central Mosque, widely recognised as Britain’s first eco-mosque, to celebrate its sustainable design, community work, and contribution to Muslim life in the UK.

The King toured Cambridge Central Mosque, exploring its environmentally friendly features and meeting members of the local Muslim community.

Designed by London-based Marks Barfield Architects, the award-winning mosque combines Islamic values with modern sustainability principles.

During the visit, The King was accompanied by Julia Barfield, Director of Marks Barfield Architects, and Dr Timothy Winter, Chair of the Cambridge Central Mosque Trust.

Cambridge Central Mosque is often described as Britain’s first ‘eco-mosque’ due to its innovative approach to sustainable architecture.

The building includes photovoltaic panels, air-source heat pumps, natural ventilation systems, a sedum roof and timber sourced from sustainably managed forests.

The mosque was designed to show how religious communities can contribute to tackling climate change.

The King showed particular interest in the community garden, which highlights the connection between sustainability and community wellbeing.

The mosque’s design reflects a specifically British interpretation of Islamic architecture, combining traditional influences with local Cambridge heritage.

Award-winning architectural features include references to the fan-vaulting of nearby King’s College Chapel and Victorian brickwork inspired by the Romsey area of Cambridge.

The King, who has long supported architectural excellence, recognised the mosque’s role in creating a distinctive British style of mosque design.

During his visit, The King learned about the mosque’s role in supporting Cambridge’s diverse population, including academics, researchers and international communities.

Cambridge Central Mosque works alongside local organisations to strengthen community connections and promote conversation between different faith groups.

Cambridge Central Mosque provides a range of social initiatives supporting people across the city.

The mosque regularly delivers food packs to families facing financial difficulties and organises health awareness events for the community.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, it also supported public health efforts by becoming a local NHS vaccination centre.

Young volunteers connected to the mosque participate in community projects across local parks and public spaces.

The mosque is also an approved host for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme, encouraging young people to develop skills through volunteering.

The King met the mosque’s imams, trustees and community members who shared their experiences of supporting Cambridge’s wider society.

Cambridge Central Mosque’s work demonstrates how British Muslim communities continue to contribute to environmental awareness and charity.

At the end of the visit, attendees thanked The King and expressed appreciation for his recognition of their contribution to British life.