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Hampstead's £2m restoration

September 10, 2009 13:03
A touch of glass: Hampstead Synagogue’s restored Mount Zion window
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A lengthy £2.3 million restoration project has been completed at the Grade II-star listed Hampstead Synagogue.

Work on the Dennington Park Road building has included new roofing, heating and ventilation, electricals and disabled access. The kitchen has been refurbished and brick and stonework repaired. The money was raised from donations and the sale of adjoining premises.

“It looks absolutely stunning,” said heritage architect Stephen Levrant. “Instead of being dreary and oppressive, it’s light and wonderful.

“The interior was painted a dreadful shade of dreary green. We have gone back to the historic colours. It can’t be treated like a new building. Its look should be enhanced instead.”

To mark the restoration of the 1892 building, the Chief Rabbi will address a choral midnight selichot service tomorrow.