The story of BICO
Bury St Edmunds Islamic Cultural Organisation (BICO) was legally registered as a charity in 2014, but the Muslim presence in the town began long before a permanent masjid existed. For years, Muslims in Bury St Edmunds had no dedicated place of worship.
Jumu'ah and Taraweeh prayers were first held above the Orissa restaurant, where small numbers gathered to pray together. Prayers and Qur'an classes later moved above an Indian takeaway known as “The Last Day of Raj”, while Taraweeh took place at the Quakers Meeting House. Eventually the community relocated fully to the Quakers House for several years, with Eid prayers and larger events at the Mildenhall/Morton Hall Community Centre.
As the community grew, renting became harder and more expensive. After several unsuccessful attempts to secure a building, planning permission was finally granted in 2024. Volunteers gave their labour freely, and donations covered only the cost of materials.
Many individuals and families contributed their time: volunteers cleaned and prepared after construction, and community members helped with carpeting, painting and design decisions.
Qur'an classes began in the new premises that November, and from 1 January 2025 the masjid has been open for all five daily prayers. Since then, the masjid has been active every day, serving the local Muslim community.
Today, the masjid stands as the result of years of patience, cooperation and sincere effort. Work on the ground-floor main prayer hall has resumed, and the appeal is at its final stage.
We ask Allah to accept this effort as sadaqah jariyah for everyone who supported it, and to make it a place of prayer, learning and unity for generations to come.See our journey in the gallery