Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers about the New England Complex and our commitment to serving the whole community.

Clarifying Misunderstandings

Is UKIM Peterborough trying to take the site away from another community?

No.

We did not initiate the sale of the New England Complex. The council decided to invite best and final bids, and we responded through that formal process. The bidding guidance made clear that the seller was inviting written offers from prospective purchasers and would assess bids against stated criteria.

We do not accept the idea that this should be framed as one faith community against another. Peterborough is a diverse city and we respect the long-standing contribution of the Hindu community, including Bharat Hindu Samaj.

This matter arose because Peterborough City Council chose to run a formal process for the future of the New England Complex. We participated in that process in good faith, as invited. Our focus remains on community benefit, responsible investment and social cohesion.

Was your bid simply for a mosque?

No.

Our proposal has consistently been for a broader community hub model, not a single-use site. Our published vision includes youth activities, education and skills support, wellbeing and advice services, community meetings, events and partnership work with local agencies and voluntary groups. Faith use would sit within that wider community-centre model.

Will the site only be used by Muslims?

No.

Our intention is to create a multi-use community centre serving residents from across Peterborough. The goal is a welcoming and inclusive space, with faith activities forming only one part of a wider model of community service.

This reflects what we already do. Our iCare programmes have supported over 60,000 people from all backgrounds since 2021, including:

  • A volunteer-run foodbank and community kitchen redistributing around 25,000 kg of food and providing approximately 65,000 meals to families in need
  • Interfaith events, mosque open days and school visits educating thousands of children about Islamic culture and community cohesion
  • Youth clubs running for over 30 years, offering sports and mentoring
  • Counselling and welfare support for refugees and British citizens alike
  • Over £80,000 worth of clothing, household items and essentials distributed to those in need

Our bid proposed extending this open, inclusive model into a larger facility with dedicated spaces for youth activities, education, wellbeing services, community events and partnership work with local agencies. The Unity Centre would build on a proven track record of serving the whole community.

You can see more detail on our Impact page.

Was the process based only on money?

The council's own published evaluation framework weighted bids at financial value and proof of funds, social value, and future benefits. That means the process was not described as social value alone, nor as price alone.

Have you said you are willing to discuss practical solutions?

Yes.

We remain available to explore practical, pragmatic solutions in the interests of community cohesion. That remains our position. We believe sensitive issues are best approached through dialogue, realism and mutual respect.

About UKIM Peterborough

Who are UKIM Peterborough?

UKIM Peterborough, also known locally as Masjid Khadijah and Islamic Centre, is part of the United Kingdom Islamic Mission, a UK-registered charity that has been serving communities across the country for more than 60 years.

In Peterborough we run a wide range of community programmes including:

  • Youth mentoring and activities
  • Food bank and community kitchen support
  • School visits and educational programmes
  • Interfaith and civic engagement initiatives
  • Support for refugees and vulnerable families

Since 2021 alone, our programmes have supported over 44,000 local residents in need.

Our work is open to people from all backgrounds and we regularly collaborate with local organisations, charities and public bodies.

What is your vision for the New England Complex?

Peterborough is a growing city and many communities face challenges such as youth disengagement, limited community facilities and pressure on local support services.

Our vision is to transform the site into a modern community hub providing services such as:

  • Youth clubs and mentoring programmes
  • Education and skills training
  • Community events and meeting spaces
  • Wellbeing and advice services
  • Partnerships with local charities and public organisations

The goal is to create a welcoming space that benefits residents from across Peterborough.

Why do you need a larger facility?

Our current premises consist of two small terraced houses which significantly limit the services we can provide.

For example:

  • School visits are difficult due to lack of space and parking
  • Youth activities and community programmes are restricted
  • During large events, people sometimes have to pray outside

A larger facility would allow us to expand our community services and improve safety, accessibility and capacity.

What benefits could this bring to Peterborough?

The proposal aims to deliver significant long-term benefits including:

  • Youth mentoring and skills development
  • Health and wellbeing support services
  • Community meeting and event spaces
  • Volunteering opportunities and civic engagement
  • Support for vulnerable residents

The project also aligns with wider city goals around community resilience, inclusion and economic participation.

What message would you like to share with Peterborough residents?

Peterborough is a diverse city where people from many cultures and backgrounds live side by side.

We have seek to purchase the New England Complex in good faith and we want to invest in the long-term future of the city and its communities.

Our aim is to strengthen community life, provide valuable services and create a space that benefits residents across Peterborough.