Chabad Lubavitch Centre in Gants Hill is moving to temporary premises while its current Eastern Avenue site is redeveloped.

The centre will operate in nearby Woodford Avenue after selling space above its ground-floor site to a local housing association for an undisclosed sum. The association is expected to build around two dozen flats. A revamped Chabad House will reopen in Eastern Avenue in 18 months.

Rabbi Sufrin said the project was a response to the “changing dynamics of the community”.

Seven years ago, a satellite Chabad branch was set up in Buckhurst Hill, reflecting a shifting of the Redbridge Jewish population. “We will look at opening further satellites in neighbouring communities in rural Essex,” Rabbi Sufrin added.