Jo Cox More in Common Centre

The University of Huddersfield’s Jo Cox More in Common Centre is a £5million purpose-built multi-faith and community centre. It aims to bring together students and staff of all faiths and none through calming communal spaces, gendered prayer facilities and sustainable design features.

Jo Cox More in Common Centre Building

Who is the Jo Cox More in Common Centre for?

In short, everyone on campus! You don’t need to be of faith to make use of the facilities, but for those students who do practice a religion, the centre provides the perfect space to take in some quiet, reflective time alone and with others.

At the University, we really believe in equality, diversity and inclusion and know that faith is an important factor for students choosing the University of Huddersfield. That’s why we wanted to create a space for those who observe religious practices or simply believe in carving out time for wellness.

This is about more than just faith. This is about connection and community.

Content image — Students walking through the Jo Cox More in Common Centre with our Muslim Chaplain, Muhammad.

External image of the Jo Cox MIC Centre, showing the community garden and Haslett building in the background.

Jo Cox More in Common Centre External

Jo Cox More in Common Centre Close-up

The living wall in the Jo Cox More in Common Centre foyer, featuring a display dedicated to Jo’s memory.

The bright, spacious 200-capacity community hall in the Jo Cox MIC Centre, laid out with tables and chairs.

Our Muslim Chaplain, Muhammad, leading a small prayer group in one of the Jo Cox MIC Centre’s prayer rooms.

A group of men praying in the Jo Cox More in Common Centre’s male Muslim prayer room.

Flowers in the Jo Cox More in Common Centre’s community garden, overlooking the canal mills.

The Jo Cox More in Common Centre’s Muslim Chaplain holding a one-on-one counselling session with a student.

A group of students walking through the Jo Cox More in Common Centre’s community garden.

What are the facilities?

There’s a wide range of modern facilities at the Jo Cox More in Common Centre, which are all part of the University’s £5million investment in a faith centre that is fit for all.

Facilities include:

Large community hall (160-200 capacity)
Communal kitchen and lounge space for all
Male and female ablution facilities
Male and female Muslim prayer rooms
Multi-faith Prayer and Reflection Room
Private counselling spaces

Who is Jo Cox?

Jo Cox was a passionate humanitarian campaigner, activist and Labour MP. Following a career as a political assistant and leading humanitarian campaigns for charities such as Oxfam, the NSPCC and Save the Children, Jo stepped into politics to stand for her home constituency of Batley and Spen in 2015.

Jo was driven by her belief that a fairer, kinder and more tolerant world was possible. She believed passionately that even the greatest challenges could be overcome. On 16 June 2016 on her way to a constituency surgery to meet residents, Jo was murdered because of her beliefs. This centre stands as a monument to her unwavering passion and as a home for everyone in our diverse university community.

The centre was opened in early 2023 by Jo’s sister, Kim Leadbeater, who currently holds Jo’s previous position as MP for Batley and Spen. We are committed to celebrating Jo’s memory and annually observing ‘The Great Get Together’ which was started by The Jo Cox Foundation to promote Jo’s desire for a united community.

(L to R:) UOH's Tim Thornton, Gordon Leadbeater, Kim Leadbeater, Jean Leadbeater and David Lammy MP.

Close up of the commemorative plaque in the Jo Cox MIC Centre, unveiled by David Lammy MP and Jo’s family.

Our Muslim Chaplain addresses an audience including Kim Leadbeater and David Lammy MP, at the centre opening.

Some of the invited guests at the JCMICC opening, including the centre staff, David Lammy MP and Jo’s parents.

Assembled guests at the opening of the JCMICC, including Jo’s family, key University figures and politicians.

Connecting to the wider community

Not only is the Jo Cox More in Common Centre located at the heart of our campus, making it a central location for all students and staff, but it’s committed to enriching the local community. With close ties to our Students’ Union and faith societies, it’s a place where people of all beliefs, and none, can come together.

With bookable spaces students can use to congregate, contemplate or hold exciting events, the centre proves the perfect meeting place for everyone in the wider University community. It’s also home to a range of ActiveHud classes and wellbeing sessions.

How does it support the university’s sustainability mission?

The Jo Cox More in Common Centre was the first University building to be constructed to the WELL Building Standard and has been awarded the highest level of certification, the Platinum WELL Building Standard.

The WELL Building Standard is a method of designing and operating a building to enhance the wellbeing and health of the people who access it. The University has committed to implementing the standard in its new construction projects. Applying the science of how physical and social environments affect human health, well-being and performance, the standard focuses on how people are affected by the following concepts:

Air
Water
Nourishment
Light
Movement
Thermal comfort
Sound
Materials
Mind
Community

To find our more, or book a tour, visit our WELL Building Standard page.

Meet our chaplains

As well as a range of facilities for people to make use of, the Jo Cox More in Common Centre is home to our Chaplaincy Team. We have a team of permanent and volunteer Chaplains, including Christian and Muslim Chaplains to support a range of beliefs on campus. While they are on hand to offer advice, pastoral support and to provide opportunities for worship, they are also here to enable our students to lead their own initiatives, finding ways to bring their faith to the fore in their university experience and connect with others on campus.

Jo Cox More in Common Centre officially open

Read about the opening of our new multi-faith building, opened by Jo’s sister and parents.

Book a tour of our Jo Cox Centre

If you want to explore our new multi-faith building, then why not book onto a tour of the facilities?

Jo Cox Centre awarded WELL Platinum standard

The Jo Cox More in Common Centre was the first HE building in the UK to achieve a WELL Platinum standard, read all about it.