£7 million restoration plan announced for Lauderdale Road Synagogue

“The building now requires urgent structural and conservation works, including roof repairs, masonry restoration and measures to address water ingress and prevent further deterioration.”

The plan, she said, would also “allow us to improve community facilities, create new rabbinic residences and offices, and develop future communal and educational space that can properly serve the next generation and help safeguard one of the most important centres of Sephardi Jewish life in Britain.”

Artist's image of the Lauderdale Road development[Missing Credit]

Daniel Sacerdoti, parnas presidente of the SPSC, added: “Historic religious buildings across Britain are facing growing pressure from age, rising costs and the scale of conservation now required to preserve them properly, and Lauderdale Road Synagogue is no exception.

“Whilst a historic building, Lauderdale Road remains a living hub for worship, education and community life, and there is now a growing recognition of the importance of protecting our communal institutions and taking responsibility for securing their future.”

The project, he said, was “about preserving an important part of British Jewish and Sephardi heritage whilst also ensuring the community has the facilities, infrastructure and stability it needs for generations to come, and we hope people both within and beyond the community will recognise its significance and support it.”

Major restoration has been previously carried out at the community’s oldest synagogue, Bevis Marks, in the City of London, where a new visitors’ centre is due to be formally opened some time this year.