The Islamic Centre, located at 2a Sutherland Street, has a rich history in Leicester. Established in 1968 by a group of Pakistani Muslims who had settled in the city, it is one of the oldest Mosques in Leicester. The building itself was converted from residential properties and underwent an extension and renovation in the 1970s to accommodate the growing Muslim population of Leicester. With the increasing demand for Islamic facilities, the Trustees and Management Council of the Centre embarked on an ambitious project to build a purpose-built Mosque in the heart of the city to cater to the needs of the community.

The Leicester Central Mosque, located on Conduit Street, is the result of this project. The foundation for this historical complex was laid in a ceremony attended by eminent Muslim scholars from all over Britain and overseas on Saturday 27th August 1988. The first phase of the project consisted of the main prayer hall, which provided prayer facilities for 1500 people. The second phase included the basement ablution area, ground floor reception and offices, and the first-floor ladies gallery, which provided prayer facilities for 300 ladies with associated ablution facilities. The third phase of the project included a school, a community hall, Imams’ residence, a mortuary, and a guest house.

Thanks to the generosity of the mosque attendees, who have donated over two million pounds toward the total cost of the project, the Leicester Central Mosque has become an important landmark in the city of Leicester.