Alyth Synagogue finishes £3.5m refurbishment project

The Golders Green-based shul has completed a major facilities upgrade - including new prayer, study and communal areas - in time for its 90th anniversary on the site

North Western Reform Synagogue (Alyth Gardens) has completed a major redevelopment and upgrading of its facilities, with the shul’s project lead describing having achieved “our vision for a building that is modern and welcoming”.

The synagogue, informally known as Alyth, has occupied its current site in Golders Green for 90 years. The redevelopment includes a new community hall, a second prayer area on the shul’s upper floor, a new learning and meeting centre and a new community kitchen. In its original fundraising for the building refurbishment, the shul described how “with your financial support we can build the Alyth vision: to have a building that truly meets the needs of our diverse membership, that is a home and a resource for future generations, situated in the heart of the Jewish community.”

The shul funded the renovation by raising £3.5 million from community members, but also via financing of the same figure negotiated with the CAF (Charity Aid Foundation) bank.

Noeleen Cohen, former chair of the synagogue and the shul’s lead on the building project, said: “The support from CAF enabled us to achieve our vision for a building that is modern and welcoming, and able to accommodate the range of activities and programming that we offer to our members and the wider community.”

While Cohen described taking on a loan as “a major commitment”, she described the shul’s relationship with CAF as being “built on trust…that began on the first day we met and will continue long into the future.”

Commenting on the support provided to Alyth, Sean Taylor, CAF Bank relationship director said: “It has been a pleasure to work with Alyth, learn about their vital role in the local community, and to support their redevelopment.

“Helping charities to achieve their goals is at the core of what we do at CAF Bank and Alyth’s new facilities will benefit the area for generations to come.”