The church selling a hall to Winchester Muslims has responded to its Facebook post about their interest in the building.

The Winchester Muslim Cultural Association posted on Facebook yesterday that they had identified Hyde Parish Hall as a mosque after a 20-year search.

The association said the Grade two listed building would be used as both a mosque and a multi-faith community centre. 

It is looking to raise funds to complete the purchase and has launched a Just Giving page.

But this afternoon, the Parochial Church Council (PCC) of St Bartholomew’s Church has issued a statement raising several points indicating the association's statement might be premature. 

The statement from the rector Rev Karen Kousseff and the PCC said: “St Bartholomew’s Church PCC would like to make it clear that, while there was agreement in principle for the sale of the hall, this is still at very early stages of negotiation. 

READ MORE: Community group agrees purchase of historical hall to use as mosque

“We are concerned, as trustees of the church, that we act with utmost transparency on behalf of our congregation and the parish of Hyde and Abbotts Barton whom we serve. 

“We were given to understand that the hall would still provide its traditional community function and that there was no proposal for its primary use to be a place of worship. 

“We also agreed to the sale on the understanding that the asking price had already been achieved.”

Winchester city councillors from the St Bartholomew ward supported the Muslims' interest in the building.

Cllr John Tippett-Cooper, Lib Dem, said: “I’m delighted that the Winchester Muslim Cultural Association is looking to restore and purchase Hyde Parish Hall. WMCA is an excellent group - they are really community-focused and always looking to help those who need it the most in the local community regardless of their faith or none. WMCA has also been invaluable in its support to refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan and elsewhere. They would be perfect custodians of Hyde Parish Hall - a valuable part of Winchester’s heritage and community.”

Cllr Nathan Eve, Lib Dem, said: “I'm very happy to hear that the WMCA has found a location in Hyde Parish Hall, and we wish them every success in the creation of a permanent community space in Winchester. I know it's something they've been working on for a time, and it's great to see this realised.”