Abergavenny, Wales, October 11, 2025 (Agencies) The historic Carnegie Library building in Abergavenny is set to be transformed into Monmouthshire’s first mosque and community centre following the approval of a 30-year lease to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association (MMCA). The Grade II listed structure, built in 1905, has stood largely unused since its closure as a public library in 2014 and was declared surplus by the county council last year.
The MMCA plans to use the building as both a mosque and a hub for educational, social and recreational activities, aiming to serve the growing Muslim population in Monmouthshire and beyond. Supporters say the initiative will breathe new life into a historic landmark while fostering community engagement.
However, the decision has triggered legal and community disputes. Several councillors and residents have questioned whether the lease represents best value under local government regulations, citing the relatively low annual rent of £6,000 compared to estimated market rates. Others have raised concerns about restrictive covenants in the original deeds that may limit how the building can be used. A legal opinion commissioned by opponents has suggested that these covenants could present challenges to the mosque’s establishment.
The controversy has also seen moments of tension, including anti-Muslim graffiti on the building ahead of council deliberations. The decision to lease the property has been formally called in for review by a council scrutiny committee to examine potential procedural or legal flaws.
Despite the opposition, more than 600 residents and several local church groups have expressed support for the project, describing it as a positive step toward inclusivity and community development.
Because the building is Grade II listed, any renovation work will have to comply with heritage preservation rules. If planning and legal approvals are secured, the mosque would mark a historic first for Monmouthshire, repurposing one of Abergavenny’s most notable civic landmarks for religious and community use.