Community centre housing temple sold to Islamic charity in UK, Peterborough city council promises alternative

Peterborough City Council has sold the New England Complex, a community centre that has housed a Hindu temple since 1986, to the United Kingdom Islamic Mission (UKIM). The sale, which took place on February 10, 2026, followed a court hearing that concluded with the council’s decision to proceed despite concerns raised by the Bharat Hindu Samaj (BHS) temple trust. The BHS, which has served the local Hindu community for decades, claims it was not adequately consulted during the process and that the council failed to consider the implications of the sale on religious minority groups. The New England Complex, owned by the government, has been used by the BHS since 1986. It was established by Hindu families who fled Uganda after being expelled by dictator Idi Amin in 1972. Today, the temple serves approximately 14,000 individuals from Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Lincolnshire. The site has become a vital hub for the local Hindu community, offering spiritual, cultural, and social services. The BHS has expressed deep concern over the loss of this space, arguing that there is currently no suitable alternative available. The sale was part of a broader effort by the council to manage its financial obligations, which include a £500-million debt. On December 16, 2025, the council’s cabinet approved selling the complex to the highest bidder. However, the decision was later referred back for further review. Despite this, the council proceeded with the sale to the UKIM, citing the organization’s substantial financial backing and its commitment to developing the site into a “unity centre.” The UKIM, which operates the nearby Khadijah Mosque, stated that its current premises were insufficient to meet growing demand and that the new facility would provide essential services such as prayer spaces, classrooms, and sports facilities. During the court proceedings, the BHS presented evidence suggesting that the council had undervalued its bid. The BHS claimed it had agreed to pay £1.3 million for the site, whereas the council’s legal representative cited a bid of £900,000 in cash plus £504,000 in assessed “social value” for the temple’s community contributions. The UKIM, however, submitted a cash offer of £1.4 million, supported by proof of £5.4 million in available funds. The UKIM also pledged to match any competing cash bid by up to 5%. The BHS’s legal team argued that the council had improperly delegated decision-making authority to its officers without sufficient oversight. They contended that the council had not fully considered its responsibilities under the Equality Act 2010, particularly regarding the potential impact on the Hindu community. According to the lawyers, the BHS has no alternative premises, while the UKIM operates nearly 40 centres and 60 branches throughout the country. The challenge, they emphasized, was aimed at the council’s procedural fairness rather than at the UKIM itself. BHS trustee Gauri Chaudhary told India Today TV that the council had initially indicated in March 2025 that the temple might be eligible to bid for the property. However, she noted that the BHS trustees received no response to their offer for several months. Meanwhile, the BHS has launched a GoFundMe campaign, raising over £119,000 to cover associated costs. The trust continues to seek viable alternatives, though no suitable options have yet been identified. Census data from 2021 reveals that Muslims constitute 12.2% of Peterborough’s population, compared to just 1.8% of Hindus. This disparity underscores the unique role the BHS plays in the region. As the situation develops, both communities will likely continue to engage in dialogue, with the hope that a resolution can be reached that respects the needs of all residents.