A RELIGIOUS society is hoping to raise around £200,000 to restore a church to its former glory.

The Islamic Society of Gwent bought the former United Reformed Church in Victoria Road, Newport in the summer of this year.

It plans to open the grade II listed building as a mosque and community centre over the next two years, with multi-faith services and outreach services based at the centre.

But to get the ball rolling they are hoping to raise cash from government bodies and individuals to refurbish the building.

The former church's roof is leaking and requires repair, while its bath stone exterior needs to be cleaned.

The society’s Latif Mohammed said at the very least the work could cost £150,000, but the building is awaiting a condition survey and at the most the society could be looking at raising up to a million.

Meanwhile the group, which is currently based in Stow Hill, is looking to change its name to the Islamic Society of Wales.

Mr Mohammed said: “We want to reflect our members being located up and down the M4 corridor, from Swansea to even Bristol.”

The group is investigating to apply to Cadw, Big Lottery and other organisations for the cash, and will also raise money from individuals in the area.

The former United Reformed Church had been used as a church for 149 years, but the URC’s congregation shrunk to the point that repairs were too expensive to be carried out.

Members of the Welsh and English speaking groups which worshipped at the church currently use the Presbyterian Church of Wales in Brynhyfryd Road, Newport.

  • If you would like to help the group contact secretary Mubarak Ali on 07886526687.