Leicester Central Mosque, Leicester

Leicester Central Mosque, located on Conduit Street, stands as one of the city's most significant Islamic institutions. Established in 1968 by a group of Pakistani Sunni Muslims, it originally operated as the Islamic Centre on Sutherland Street, housed in converted residential buildings. As Leicester’s Muslim population expanded—particularly with the arrival of migrants from East Africa, India, and Bangladesh in the 1970s—the need for a larger, purpose-built mosque became apparent.

The foundation stone for the Leicester Central Mosque was laid on 27th August 1988 in a ceremony attended by Muslim scholars from across the UK and abroad. The development of the mosque was carried out in phases, beginning with the construction of the main prayer hall, which can accommodate 1,500 worshippers. Later phases included a basement ablution area, reception, offices, and a first-floor gallery providing prayer space for 300 women. Further expansions added a school, community hall, sports hall, imam’s residence, mortuary, and guest house.

Situated near Leicester’s railway station and cultural quarter, the mosque owns a significant portion of the land surrounding the complex. While the grounds can be toured, entry to the mosque itself is restricted to Muslim visitors. However, the mosque has taken gradual steps toward inclusivity, with the introduction of dedicated facilities such as a sports hall for women. Today, Leicester Central Mosque is one of 31 mosques serving the city’s diverse Muslim community.