Plans to expand and transform a mosque into one of the landmarks of the borough are underway.

Croydon Mosque and Islamic Centre on London Road, Thornton Heath could expand to include a four storey extension to the rear and two 20 metre tall minarets, higher than four stacked double-decker buses.

Funded entirely through contributions from worshippers this is the third stage of building at the site, which began in the 70, and is expected to cost around £500,000.

Shuib Yusaf, trustee of Croydon Mosque and Islamic Centre, said: “We are aware it will become quite a landmark in Croydon. It should be a little unique but not out of character with the area. We admit the plans are a little ambitious.”

Plans, alongside the two 20m tall minarets, include providing more space for women worshippers to prepare themselves for prayer, improve washroom facilities and add more parking.

Mr Yusaf said: “We have brought in architects with a history designing Islamic buildings including several mosques in the UK. We hope to increase capacity to near 4,000 but primarily improve facilities in the women’s area.”

He said the mosque serves the majority of the 25,000 strong Croydon Muslim community, with congregations at the main prayer session on Friday are typically filled to capacity and weekly footfall is around 13,000 to 15,000.

Plans have yet to be finalised but the mosque trust hopes to have the work underway before the end of the year.

Mr Yusaf added that the construction may be done in stages depending on funding and planning.