Worshippers descended on a new development in the East London Mosque complex as it opened its doors in time for Ramadan on Friday.

Work started on the £9.5million Maryam Centre in 2009 in an effort to increase space at the Mosque, in Whitechapel Road.

An official opening is due to be held later this year, but worshippers were given a special preview on Friday in time for Ramadan – which is due to be announced next week.

East London Mosque Trust chairman Dr Muhammad Abdul Bari said: “Ramadan is a spiritual and festive time for Muslims, so it is with great joy that we can open the Maryam Centre for the community.”

The nine-storey centre houses a larger prayer hall for women, education and advice services and a women-only gym.

The Mosque has so far received £5.5million in donation pledges for the development, and continues to fundraise in an effort to raise a further £4million.

No date has yet been agreed for the Centre’s official opening.