A prominent Shia Muslim group’s plan to establish a major community centre in Harefield—known as London’s “last town” for its rural charm and traditional character—has been vehemently opposed by local residents. The conflict began in October 2022 when the Khoja Shia Ithna-Asheri Muslim Community of London (KSIMC) purchased the 6.3-acre Widewater Place office campus for £33 million.
Featuring three large buildings near the area’s picturesque green, the site is intended to become “Hujjat Harefield,” a hub for social, community, and occasional religious use. Recent updates in 2025 also indicate a push for “Hujjat Living,” which would convert parts of the campus into over 130 residential flats alongside the community facilities.
Harefield, a community of 7,000 in the Hillingdon borough, is proud of its history, Anzac war memorials, and traditional English character. Locals fear the development will cause a “dramatic shift in character,” raising major concerns about traffic congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and the impact of thousands of additional visitors.
While earlier KSIMC materials suggested potential attendance of 6,000 to 10,000 people—figures later removed from promotions—residents still describe the project as an “enormous imposition” and a “community within a community”.
Leading campaigner Gerard Barry told GB News: “It’d be a dramatic shift for a village like ours. We simply won’t accept it.” Resident Kathy Rumsby highlighted the physical strain on the area, noting that the village lacks the infrastructure for such a high volume of cars.
Tim Wheeler, a local businessman and Reform councillor candidate, warned that the project will change the “ambience and tradition of Harefield beyond recognition, very, very quickly.” A petition against the plans has now attracted nearly 4,000 signatures, and the ongoing uncertainty has reportedly deterred local house sales and investment.
The KSIMC maintains that the multi-purpose facility is “for everyone in Harefield,” emphasising interfaith engagement and an expected £2.8 million boost to the local economy. They have held seminars and distributed flyers to shape the proposals through community consultation.
However, many locals feel sidelined. Hillingdon Conservatives, including village spokesman Tommy Balaam, describe it as a “large, 24-hour multi-use complex” aimed at an external group rather than serving the village’s immediate needs.
Hillingdon Council confirms that while various “prior approval” applications for residential use have been discussed, a full planning application for the total redevelopment has not yet been submitted.
Tensions increased recently following the approval of a two-metre-high mesh security fence around the site, which locals view as an early sign of separation. As opposition grows into 2026, Harefield’s residents and local politicians remain resolute in defending the unique identity of London’s “last town”.
Express.co.uk has approached KSIMC and Widewater Place for comment.
