The Grade II* listed Middle Street Synagogue in the centre of Brighton on the UK’s south coast is one of the city’s most important buildings. However, it closed for regular services 20 years ago.
The Foundation for Jewish Heritage established a partnership with the Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation (BHHC), owners of the building, which required the Foundation to carry out an assessment of the building and its future potential. The Foundation secured funding for this from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Architectural Heritage Fund and the Pilgrim Trust, and formed a Steering Committee to oversee the work chaired by Michael Rosehill.
The report that was produced called for the creation of a Jewish Cultural Centre within the synagogue that would bring the building back to life and provide a major new facility for the City.
The Foundation presented this proposal along with a Business Plan, which was approved by the BHHC Board. The Foundation is now moving to the next stage. This will include an application to the Heritage Fund to secure further funding to carry out detailed studies, leading to an application for a substantial grant to secure the future of the building, and provide it with a sustainable long term use.
Susan Conway, Chairman of the Congregation said: “We are delighted that the Foundation has reached the point at which we can see a realistic prospect of our precious Middle Street Synagogue being put to good use for the benefit of the wider community, whilst at the same time being retained for occasional services, including weddings.”
She added, “This year we will be celebrating the 150th Anniversary of the opening of the Synagogue in September 1875, and it is therefore particularly timely to know that we are moving forward with the restoration and future use of the building.”
Michael Mail, Chief Executive of the Foundation, commented: ‘We are very grateful to those who funded the initial reports, The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Pilgrim Trust, and the Architectural Heritage Fund, and to the team who assisted with the initial research, conservation architects Purcell and heritage specialists Cultural Consulting Network.
"We are delighted that the findings have the support of the BHHC Board, and look forward to a continuing dialogue with the Board and all those who have shown interest in this project, locally, nationally, and internationally.
"The stunning Middle Street synagogue is a hugely significant building and we must ensure its future in a meaningful way that will benefit the Jewish and wider community within Brighton and Hove and beyond."
