The Manchester Islamic Centre was originally a church that was built early last century. In 1967 it was bought by some donors from the Syrian Arab community. The property consists of two large buildings, the first one is used as a mosque and library, while the second is used as prayer hall for women, a lecture and events room, classrooms, a kitchen, ablution area for men and one for women. Moreover, the Centre provides information on the Islamic faith in order to foster cooperation and build bridges with non-Muslim communities. It has become the destination for academia, government, schools, churches and houses of worship, along with the general public, to learn about Islam and Muslim beliefs. The centre has an open door policy and thus, continuously invites people and encourages them to visit the Centre during the advertised opening hours. Added on June 10, 2010 and last updated 15 years ago