Frequently Asked Questions
Clear answers about the New England Complex and our commitment to serving the whole community.
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.
Will the site only be used by Muslims?
No.
The intention is to create a multi-use community centre serving residents across the city. Activities would include youth programmes, education, wellbeing services and community events.
Faith activities would form only part of a broader community model focused on services that benefit people from all backgrounds.
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 about other communities who currently use the site?
Peterborough is one of the UK's most diverse cities and we respect the important role that many communities play here.
If the project proceeds, our preference is always for constructive dialogue and practical solutions so that the needs of different communities can continue to be supported wherever possible.
We believe the best outcomes come through cooperation and mutual respect.
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.
UKIM's message is simple: 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.