In and around Leeds there is a large number of Muslims from all parts of the world. In order to provide for the increasing religious and social needs of the community, the Muslim Society of Leeds (MSL) after in depth research in the inner city areas saw that much of the Muslim community is lacking many services and is starved of resources and needs drastic measures taken to improve the situation. The society has been working with various councillors for the last seven years in trying to find an adequate place for the religious and communal services open to all for LS7 and surrounding areas but nothing appropriate could be found in the area even after extensive research into trying to make use of existing community facilities in the local area.

Imam Raza Community Complex will be the place to be where information on local services will be available, a place to encounter, informal community room for all where the locals can make themselves at home especially the elderly, a place for relaxation. It is the aim of MSL to create sociability instead of isolation.

The whole concept of Imam Raza Community Complex is practically dealing with these issues creating sociability not inclusion for the Muslim and Asian communities of Leeds. And also open to all communities for use. The complex will be a land mark for Leeds.

The Leeds Muslim Heritage Centre and Women’s Centre will be a focal point for the Asian and Muslim’s for religious as well as dealing with social issues.

The whole idea of the community complex is to deal with the social issues of the local and wider communities, to tackle inclusion, drugs, encourage intermixing of different faith groups, youth projects, women projects and many other community focused initiatives.

MSL will be encouraging public participation and also offer advice on domestic, national and international issues, providing a platform for community members to voice their concerns. The Society is presently exerting its energy on education, they key tenants of Islam as well as the national curriculum which is being stressed upon to the local community members. The complex well house many educational services including homework clubs, provide tutors, a library, internet access and a careers advice facility.

A welfare officer will be available to deal with the problems of the local communities. The Heritage centre will also provide advice and help on issues as marital harmony, drug abuse, homelessness and discrimination. The welfare officer will look after the needs of the locality. The community Centre will house ADHOC offices for community hire and also allow social services, rehabilitation agencies to provide community services for all on one community complex.