History of the GLMCC Building

The GLMCC building is a Grade II listed structure with a rich history dating back to the late 1800s.

Early History

• 1890: Land was secured for the construction of a free public library.
• 1893-1894: The library was officially opened. Around the same time, land was also secured and approval granted for the construction of swimming pools and public baths.
• 1896: A well was dug to supply water to the building, with a capacity of 8,300 gallons per hour.
• 1897-1902: Construction of the swimming pools and public baths began at a cost of £30,000. They were officially opened in 1902.
• 1940: The swimming baths were destroyed by enemy action during World War II on the night of October 18, 1940.
• 1951: Reconstruction of the swimming baths commenced.
• 1977: The public library and swimming baths relocated to a new facility on Muntz Street.

Transformation into a Mosque

• 1979: After two years of negotiations with Birmingham City Council, the building was acquired by Markazi Jamiat Ahle-Hadith UK for £24,000. The former public library section was repurposed into a Masjid and associated offices. Temporary ablution facilities were introduced within the first-class swimming pool hall. The Masjid relocated from two terraced houses on George Arthur Road in Alum Rock to 20 Green Lane, Small Heath.

Key Developments and Expansions

• 1987: A new ablution facility was introduced adjacent to the prayer hall, alongside a complete internal refurbishment of the prayer area and the addition of three new offices.
• 1990: The old first-floor committee room in the swimming baths was converted into two self-contained flats.
• 2000: Work commenced to convert the ex-second class swimming pool and private baths into a large prayer area for men, with a mezzanine floor for a ladies' prayer area. The ex-engine room was extended to house separate ablution facilities for men and women. Additional modifications included adapting the reception area into offices with a mezzanine floor, relaying the car park, replacing the deteriorated slipper bath floor, and refurbishing the basement under the prayer hall for storage.
• 2002: The completed renovations led to the relocation of the Mosque from the old library to the new facility.
• 2006: Work began on the ex-boiler house to construct a mortuary facility on the ground floor, a reference library on the first floor, and residential accommodation for 12 people on the second and third floors.
• 2008: The boiler house project was completed, enhancing essential community services. Green Lane Masjid and Community Centre (GLMCC) was formally established as an independent charity to oversee the administration of the facility.
• 2011: Major refurbishments commenced in the old Mosque and community hall to accommodate a full-time school while allowing for multipurpose community activities. The renovations included the addition of three mezzanine floors, a new basement, and enhancements to the community hall area. A new basement was constructed to house a plant room, communications room, and a large hall that could be divided into two separate activity areas. A multipurpose hall, washrooms, ablution areas, a kitchen, a medical room, two offices, and a storeroom were added on the ground floor. The mezzanine level was expanded to include a meeting room and a large classroom.
• 2012: Work began on refurbishing the old Masjid and public library area. This involved a complete gut-out and the introduction of two mezzanine floors, creating four classrooms, a science/CDT room, a staff room, offices, and an open area on the ground floor. First and second-floor multipurpose areas were also added.
• 2013: The extensive refurbishment was completed, marking the largest renovation project in the building's history.
• 2015: Work began on extending the men’s entrance lobby and completely overhauling the men’s and women’s ablution areas. These upgrades increased facility capacity by more than 30%.
• 2016: The newly improved entrance lobbies and ablution areas were officially opened to the public.

The GLMCC continues to serve as a vital religious and community hub, evolving to meet the needs of its congregation and the wider community.