Winchester Muslims complete purchase of Hyde Parish Hall for mosque

As previously reported, the association has been looking for a permanent home for the last 20 years and identified the Hyde Parish Hall on Hyde Street as a new mosque.

The hall was recently sold by the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Bartholomew’s Church to fund the refurbishment and upkeep of the medieval church in King Alfred Place.

READ MORE: Church responds to Winchester Muslims' interest in historical church hall

The purchase of the hall was completed earlier this month. The price has not been dislcosed.

Hyde Parish Hall (Image: Goadsby)Ahmed Moon, chair of WMCA, expressed his gratitude to the community following the completion of the purchase, saying: “The Winchester Muslim Cultural Association (WMCA) is delighted to complete the purchase on Hyde Parish Hall and are grateful to Allan from Goadsby for facilitating the sale.

“The WMCA are also grateful to The Three Saints Benefice of Winchester for the sale and extending their friendship as new neighbours in this lovely part of Winchester. The WMCA is honoured to be the new custodians of Hyde Parish Hall and will do our utmost to refurbish and renovate this important historic asset on behalf of the whole community.”

Allan Pickering, of Goadsby, said: “We are extremely proud to have been involved in this significant milestone for the Muslim community in Winchester. WMCA have been looking for a new home for over 20 years. With plans to restore and refurbish this historic building, we look forward to seeing this improved community group space, and interfaith activities centre, thrive in the years to come.

“Acting on behalf of our valued clients in this transaction has been a pleasure, and we are delighted to have completed on another significant commercial freehold in Winchester.’’

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The PCC of St Bartholomew’s Church issued a statement on its website, saying it is “delighted” with the sale.

It says: “The PCC is delighted that WMCA will be able to restore and refurbish the hall, and will continue to make it available for community use.

“As Christians, we share with the Muslim community our ancient roots in faith and our desire to love and serve our neighbours, so we look forward to seeing both the Church and Hall continue to bless the community for many years to come.”