About
Our History
From Stamford Street to Hillgate Street — over 50 years of serving our community
The story of Ashton Central Mosque — formerly known as Markazi Jami'a Mosque — is one of community determination, faith, and collective effort. From humble beginnings in a terraced house on Stamford Street in the early 1970s, through three decades at the former St Mary's School, to the purpose-built, award-winning centre on Hillgate Street — every step has been made possible by the generosity and commitment of our community.
Our Journey
Humble Beginnings
The Muslim community of Ashton-under-Lyne establishes its first place of worship in a three-storey terraced property on Stamford Street. Known as Markazi Jami'a Mosque, the community begins to grow and envisions a dedicated centre for prayer, education, and community service.
Newton Street
The growing community relocates to the former St Mary's School on Newton Street, providing more space for prayers, classes, and gatherings. This becomes the mosque's home for over three decades while plans take shape for a purpose-built facility.
Construction Begins
A Dua-e-Khayr (invocation ceremony) is held at the new site on Hillgate Street, marking the start of construction. The community rallies together with donations, pledges, and unwavering support to bring decades of planning to life.
Building of the Year
The Ashton Civic Society awards the mosque its Building of the Year award, praising the "innovative design that combines elements of traditional Islamic architecture with modern building materials and polychromatic brickwork." The design emphasises beauty, quality, simplicity and sustainability.
A New Home
Ashton Central Mosque opens its doors at the purpose-built Hillgate Street facility. The three-floor building features prayer capacity for over 1,000 congregants (700 men, 300 women), with an additional 1,500 capacity in the adjacent community centre and atrium hall. A 14,000-piece Egyptian cut crystal chandelier crowns the interior.
Growing & Serving
The Madrasah programme grows to serve over 300 students with 8 teaching staff across Hifz, Qur'an recitation, and Islamic studies. The mosque establishes Taste Ramadhan events, Macmillan Coffee Mornings, community food banks, Scouts groups, exercise classes, and interfaith dialogue sessions. In 2019, a complete Sahih al-Bukhari recital is held with esteemed scholars.
Serving Through Adversity
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the mosque adapts its services to continue supporting the community through food distribution, welfare support, and remote learning for Madrasah students. The mosque becomes a vital lifeline for many families in Ashton-under-Lyne.
Beacon Mosque Awards
Selected from over 300 nominations across 11 categories, Ashton Central Mosque receives two prestigious British Beacon Mosque Awards: Best Run Mosque — described by judges as "a shining example of community engagement and positive change" — and Most Impactful Imam for Imam Ghulam Mohyuddin.
Continuing Our Mission
Ashton Central Mosque continues to expand its services with walking clubs, weekly dhikr circles, ghusl and kafn workshops, coffee mornings, and volunteer programmes. Our green credentials include solar panels, air source heat pumps, triple glazed windows, and rainwater harvesting. Our doors remain open for all.
Watch Our Story
Videos from the construction and development of the mosque
Award-Winning Mosque
In 2023, we were proud to receive the British Beacon Mosque Awards for Best Run Mosque and Most Impactful Imam.
View Our Awards