Huge fire completely destroys Islamic centre in Sydney's southwest

A large fire has completely destroyed an Islamic centre in Sydney's southwest and forced the evacuation of nearby buildings and a nursing home.

The blaze inside the building on Croydon St, Lakemba, started shortly before 9am this morning.

Multiple fire crews were called to the scene and managed to contain the fire just before 10.30am.

The building houses the United Muslims of Australia youth centre and was formerly a bowling club. 

NSW Police said one man was treated for smoke inhalation and was taken to hospital as a precaution. 

A management figure from the centre told 9news.com.au no one was inside the building at the time.

The cause of the fire is not yet known and police continue to investigate the circumstances.

Traffic diversions around the area remain in place. 

You can get breaking news alerts on your phone by downloading our app, 9NEWS Alerts, available on iPhone and Android.