1 9 9 2

• The local community makes several unsuccessful attempts to establish a place for prayers and cultural activities.

• In response to the UK government regeneration scheme "City Challenge", the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea (RBKC) in consultation with members of the Muslim communities submits a bid for City Challenge funding that included the establishment of the Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre as a flag ship project.

• RBKC's City Challenge bid is approved.

• The MCHC project is granted a site along with site infrastructure and seed funding of £460,000.

• RBKC seconds its Community Relations Advisor to provide project management, planning and admin support for the MCHC project.

1 9 9 3

• The Muslim Communities Forum is formed to oversee the implementation of the MCHC project; a fundraising director is appointed in July.

• The MCHC project is formally launched in November.

1 9 9 4

• Planning Aid for London carries out a survey of the local communities' needs.

• Chapman Taylor Partners carries out a feasibility study for the MCHC project.

• North Kensington City Challenge carries out Planning for Real exercise that results in overwhelming community support for the MCHC project.

1 9 9 5

• The first Building Committee Meeting took place on 11th Oct 1995.

• Currie & Brown Management Limited are appointed to manage the MCHC building project.

• First funding breakthrough: H. E. Easa Saleh Al-Gurg, CBE confirms a one £million donation from H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashed Al-Maktoom.

• Frederick Gibberd Partnership Architects and W C Inman & Partners Chartered Quantity Surveyors are appointed.

1 9 9 6

• Site infrastructure and Centre's foundation are completed.

• The Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre Trust is formed to oversee the establishment of the MCHC. The first MCHC Trust Board Meeting took place on 28th August 1996.

• The first construction work commenced on site on 25th Nov 1996 with the foundation-piling contract.

1 9 9 7

• T & E Neville Ltd. Construction Group is awarded the construction contract.

• The Chairman Group was formed; it started its monthly meetings on 17th July 1997.

1 9 9 8

• Phase I of the MCHC building works are completed.

• The MCHC office moves to the new premises.

• Areen Design Services Ltd. is appointed to carry out the interior decoration and finishing works.

• MCHC Services Development Plan is drawn up.

1 9 9 9

• The first planned service, Career's Advice and Guidance for unemployed people is started.

2 0 0 0

• Phase II of the building works to transform the open courtyard into an Atrium are completed

• The interior decoration and finishing works are completed.

• The Prayer Hall opens for regular daily and Friday prayers on 18 August.

• MCHC services started: IT Training, Over 55's Initiative, Homework Club/ Study Centre, Arabic Supplementary School, Reference Library and Canteen.

2 0 0 1

• Further services are added and a community awareness programme is initiated.

• HRH The Prince of Wales Inaugurates Al-Manaar Muslim Cultural Heritage Centre on 17 May.