In a tourist town, a popular historic building will be converted into a mosque? See more below. A historic library in the Welsh town of Abergavenny is now set to be transformed into the town’s first mosque after a long dispute came to an end. The controversy, which had divided parts of the community for months, has now subsided following the withdrawal of a Christian-backed legal challenge.
For years, the former Carnegie Library — a Grade II listed landmark built in 1905 — stood empty in the heart of the town. The elegant stone building was originally funded by a £4,000 grant from the philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, part of his effort to promote education and literacy across Britain. After a decade of neglect, local authorities were eager to see the site repurposed for community use.
A New Chapter for an Old Building
Monmouthshire County Council, led by a Labour administration, approved a 30-year lease of the unused building to the Monmouthshire Muslim Community Association (MMCA) earlier this year. The group, which has long gathered in a rented hall at the local Catholic church, will now finally have a permanent home for worship and community activities.
The MMCA agreed to take full responsibility for the building’s upkeep, repairs, and maintenance, which reportedly made the property unattractive to commercial tenants. According to the council, this arrangement ensures that the site will be preserved and maintained without further public expense.
However, not everyone welcomed the decision. Several residents and councillors argued that the council’s decision lacked transparency and that the rent agreed — reportedly £6,000 per year, considered a “peppercorn rate” — undervalued the historic property. Critics insisted that a landmark civic building, given to the town “for the people” by the Carnegie Trust, should not be leased so cheaply or without wider public consultation.
Backlash and Legal Threats
Opposition to the lease came from a group that included Conservative councillors Louise Brown and Rachel Buckler, independent councillor Simon Howarth, and local resident John Hardwick. With the support of the Christian Legal Centre, they threatened to launch a judicial review against the council’s decision, arguing it breached principles of fairness and proper use of public assets.
The situation intensified earlier this year when the library building was defaced with racist graffiti, reading “no masjid,” using the Arabic word for mosque. The vandalism drew condemnation from across the political spectrum, with community leaders calling for unity and respect among residents.
Legal Challenge Abandoned
In a recent update, Monmouthshire County Council confirmed that the legal action had been dropped, clearing the way for the transformation to proceed. A council spokesperson stated:
“The council has received confirmation that there will be no judicial review. We remain fully confident in our decision-making and governance processes. Any attempt to undermine a democratically agreed decision will be addressed appropriately.”
The statement also reaffirmed that the council would make no further comment on any additional legal matters until formally concluded.
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the Christian Legal Centre, said the case “raises serious questions about transparency, fairness, and the proper use of public assets.” Despite her criticism, the group will not pursue the challenge further.
Broader Reactions in the Town
Councillor Rachel Buckler, one of those who raised objections, emphasized that her concerns were not religiously motivated. “This isn’t about faith,” she said. “No organization should be given special treatment. Our issue was with how the lease was handled — an iconic civic building was essentially given away for a minimal rent, even though it was originally gifted to the people of Abergavenny.”
Others in the community have expressed relief that the dispute is over. Local residents hope that the reopening of the long-dormant building will breathe new life into the town center and strengthen community ties.
Abergavenny, often hailed as the “food capital of Wales” for its bustling market and internationally renowned Food Festival, now adds another chapter to its rich cultural story — one that blends history, faith, and modern community life.
