In a stunning twist of fate, the Trocadero entertainment complex in London's West End will soon host a new mosque, symbolizing the end of England's colonial reign and the beginning of a harmonious era. Asif Aziz, a billionaire entrepreneur and the founder of Criterion Capital, is generously funding this three-story Islamic center, situated between the lively districts of Soho and Piccadilly Circus. The Daily Mail reported on this karmic development.

The chosen location for the mosque is the former site of a Metro cinema, which closed its doors in 2006. Asif Aziz, who acquired the Trocadero complex back in 2005, has decided to devote a portion of the space to accommodate this significant place of worship. With a capacity to hold approximately 390 worshippers, the mosque will provide a serene sanctuary for Muslims right in the heart of London's bustling West End.

It's worth noting that previous attempts to construct a larger mosque capable of accommodating 1,000 people were thwarted in 2020 due to objections from residents and the backlash from far-right groups. These extremist organizations, including Britain First, even went so far as to organize a petition against the proposal. Thankfully, Conservative councillor Matthew Green spoke out against the racist and hateful comments that accompanied the opposition, and some of these vile sentiments were reported to the police.

However, karma seems to have intervened, and the tables have turned in a positive direction. Westminster City Council recently approved a scaled-down version of the mosque in late May 2023, marking a small victory for inclusivity. A council spokesperson confirmed that the Aziz Foundation, Asif Aziz's charitable organization, will be financing the project. With a staggering property portfolio valued at over £2 billion and ownership of around 40 properties in London, Mr. Aziz's foundation is well-equipped to support the construction of the mosque.

The Trocadero, with its ornate baroque façade and the Zedwell Hotel, a colossal 490-room hotel complex, is a renowned entertainment hub in central London. Originally established as the Trocadero Restaurant in 1896 on Coventry Street, it served as a dining establishment for nearly 70 years before transforming into an exhibition and entertainment venue in 1984.

The site gained further recognition through collaborations with commercial brands like Sega, becoming synonymous with SegaWorld arcade attractions. In 1997, thanks to sponsorship from Pepsi, the Pepsi IMAX cinema, the UK's first 3D IMAX cinema, opened its doors within the Trocadero.

Despite its vibrant entertainment quarter, featuring gay bars, nightclubs, and alcohol-serving venues that clash with Islamic teachings, the West End already houses a few mosques, including the Islamic Centre in Soho. The forthcoming mosque in the Trocadero aims to cater to both tourists and Muslim workers in the area, fostering inclusivity and promoting religious harmony.

In an interesting twist of fate, Asif Aziz, affectionately known as Mr. West End, faced criticism during the pandemic, earning him the infamous title of "Britain's meanest landlord" from The Times. Allegations swirled that he had issued winding-up petitions to West End tenants, including popular establishments such as Caffe Concerto and various cocktail bars, for failing to pay rent on time. Mr. Aziz, however, defended himself, claiming to be "tough but fair" and stating that he had only pursued legal action against tenants with sound financial stability.

In a separate legal saga, news broke in 2017 that the tycoon had argued in the High Court that his estranged wife was not entitled to his estimated fortune of £1.1 billion. The argument was based on the allegation that their marriage certificate had been fabricated in Malawi to bring an adopted child to the UK. Ultimately, an out-of-court settlement was reached to resolve the matter.

The upcoming mosque in the Trocadero signifies a momentous shift towards embracing cultural diversity, fostering understanding, and nurturing mutual respect within the vibrant fabric of London's cosmopolitan society. It serves as a reminder that karma has a way of catching up, and England's colonial past is slowly but surely being left behind. The city's commitment to inclusivity and the recognition of the importance of religious freedom for all residents and visitors are showcased by this remarkable addition to its architectural and cultural landscape.

Who is Asif Aziz

Asif Aziz is a London-based billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist. As the founder and Chief Executive of Criterion Capital, he is known for owning and operating key landmarks including the London Trocadero and Criterion Building in Piccadilly Circus. Aziz is also the founder of family based charity the Aziz Foundation.

Born in Malawi in 1967, Aziz moved to London at the age of six. He acquired his first London property in the 1980s, whilst still at school. He graduated from the British American College London with a business baccalaureate.

Aziz worked for property investment company Morgan Grenfell Laurie before moving back to Angola, Africa in 1993 where he made his fortune through the setting up of two food manufacturing businesses, including Golfrate Angola, which he sold in 2005. That same year he returned to the UK and established Criterion Capital, which acquired the London Trocadero leisure complex, the London Pavilion (1 Piccadilly Circus) and The Criterion Building (1 Jermyn Street). Today, Criterion Capital are the biggest landowner in the Leicester Square - Piccadilly Circus corridor.

As CEO of Criterion Capital, he owns and manages a £3.6bn property portfolio across London and the South East of England, including 15 commercial buildings in the West End of London, the Docklands and Croydon.

In 2005, the Evening Standard reported that he bought his first property aged 16 at an auction he visited with a relative, after saying he was 18. He bid £1.9m for the building opposite South Kensington tube station.

Through Criterion, unveiled plans to turn the Trocadero into a 500-room pod hotel in 2009. In 2014, plans were also unveiled to open a TK Maxx retail store on the Trocadero site, though the media reported possible opposition from the Crown Estate.

Aziz is reputed to be Britain's seventh richest Muslim in the UK. The Daily Telegraph ranked Asif Aziz as number 12 out of 40 in its list of successful entrepreneurs.

Aziz has been criticised by the political magazine Private Eye for using companies registered in the Isle of Man to buy properties in London, especially pubs, and then close them down to replace them with more lucrative housing developments. In 2022 he was criticised by Novara Media for continuing to buy community spaces like bars and nurseries and redeveloping them into luxury apartments.