The North West Islamic Association has bought a former Reformed Presbyterian Church on Clarendon Street in Londonderry to create the Peace Islamic Centre. The Grade B listed building, which dates to 1837, closed as a church in 1990.

Muslims in Londonderry currently gather in a unit at Hyde Business Park in the Pennyburn area. The association has around 1000 members from countries including Pakistan, Syria, Egypt, Iran and the Palestinian territories.

The property sold through Montgomery & McCleery estate agents last summer. It sits in a city centre conservation area and includes two floors with an open-plan reception, boardroom, office, kitchen and bathroom facilities, plus an adjoining building at 17 Queen Street.

Over the past four decades, the site housed groups such as Unison, Migrant Centre NI and Derry Well Women. The association plans internal refurbishments funded by community fundraising.

The centre will offer a prayer space for the local Muslim community and facilities for community support, engagement, outreach, charity initiatives and aid for those in need. The association stated it will respect the building's history and maintain its role in civic life.

No changes are planned to the external appearance. All future uses will meet planning and regulatory standards. The group pledged ongoing engagement with residents and a positive role in city life.

Dr Sameh Hassan, association spokesman, said the building will keep serving the wider community.