The Vision
A transformative community hub for Peterborough
Why Peterborough Needs the Unity Centre
Our beloved Masjid Khadijah has served us for nearly 40 years — but we've outgrown it
Masjid Khadijah at 311–313 Cromwell Road will remain open and continue serving the local community. The Unity Centre is a new flagship facility designed to extend our reach across the whole city.
Today — Cromwell Road
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Growing congregation
Growing congregation causes severe overcrowding. On Friday prayers and Eid, worshippers pray on the pavement outside due to lack of space.
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No dedicated parking
Zero parking facilities, causing congestion on residential streets and accessibility issues for elderly and disabled members.
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Limited site
Two converted terraced houses cannot accommodate the breadth of services — youth activities, food bank, school visits, and women's programmes compete for cramped space.
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Logistical constraints
Visiting school coaches can't find safe drop-off points. Food bank operations are hampered by cramped quarters.
Tomorrow — Unity Centre
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Purpose-built prayer halls
Spacious, accessible prayer halls designed for the growing congregation, with dedicated areas for men and women.
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Dedicated parking, EV charging & bike storage
On-site parking with electric vehicle charging points and secure bicycle storage, ensuring accessibility for all.
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16+ distinct facility types under one roof
Worship, education, enterprise, health, and community — all purpose-designed to serve a diverse city.
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Designed for scale
Serving the whole city, not just the immediate neighbourhood — a true civic asset for all of Peterborough.
Masjid Khadijah will continue to serve our local community.
The Unity Centre extends our reach city-wide.
What the Unity Centre Will Include
16+ distinct spaces for worship, education, enterprise, health, and community
Prayer Spaces
Dedicated prayer halls for men and women with innovative, accessible design
Counselling & Wellbeing Room
Private space for welfare advice, mental health support, and one-to-one counselling
Community Cafe
Kitchen and cafe for elderly luncheon clubs and community gatherings
Co-Working Spaces
Digitally connected workspaces and meeting rooms for local enterprise
Health Rooms
Consulting rooms for health promotion and wellbeing services
Training & IT Suites
Modern facilities for skills training, ESOL classes, and digital inclusion
Children's Zone
Child-friendly areas with Ofsted-registered nursery and play spaces
Women's Spaces
Dedicated areas including mother and baby rooms, library, and kitchen
Podcast Studio
Free studio for youth and students, affordable hire for businesses
Salaam Radio
Community broadcasting hub for multilingual public health and civic messaging
Conference Area
Networking space for community groups and inter-agency collaboration
EV Charging & Bike Storage
Electric vehicle charging points and secure bicycle storage
Teaching & Learning Rooms
Supplementary and secular education zones with IT facilities
Resource Centre
Information and guidance on training, employment and volunteering
Inter-Faith Space
Welcoming area for dialogue and events across all faiths and none
Office Spaces
Professional offices for centre staff and partner organisations
Designed with Purpose
Architecture that honours heritage while embracing sustainability and inclusion
Blending with the Community
The Unity Centre design draws on the rich geometric traditions of Islamic architecture while sitting harmoniously within Peterborough's streetscape. Natural light, flowing water, and carefully selected local materials create spaces that feel both welcoming and serene.
Every detail is considered — from the ornate fountain at the entrance that symbolises renewal, to the intricate geometric screens that filter daylight into prayer halls and community spaces. The result is a building that belongs to everyone.
Accessible & Sustainable
The centre is designed to meet BREEAM sustainability standards, incorporating solar panels, high-performance insulation, and rainwater harvesting. Electric vehicle charging points and generous cycle parking encourage low-carbon travel.
Full accessibility is non-negotiable. Step-free access throughout, hearing loop systems, and sensory-considerate design ensure every member of the community can use every space with dignity and comfort.