South Hampstead shul’s £17m rebuild will ‘redefine the word synagogue’
London community will launch a major two-year project, the biggest undertaken by the United Synagogue
South Hampstead shul is to undertake a major two-year £17 million rebuilding project that bosses say will “redefine the word synagogue”.
The redevelopment is the biggest project ever taken on by the United Synagogue, and will see a brand new multi-purpose community hall with “significant amounts of flexible social and educational space”.
A spokesman said the new building would be “fit for the 21st century” and would “facilitate a redefinition of the traditional thinking behind the words ‘synagogue’ and ‘community’ within the modern orthodox community”.
The shul’s leaders said the local community, together with the help of “a major donor,” have already raised most of the money, and alternative arrangements for the community’s services have been made until their new home is ready.
Shul chairman David Turner said the aim was to provide “an inclusive and inspirational building for all ages, religious outlooks and abilities,” adding: “It represents a ground-breaking opportunity to redefine a modern orthodox community.”
United Synagogue President Stephen Pack said: “This is a really exciting project which will revolutionise the facilities that are available to the South Hampstead US community and could also change the way our other communities use and think about their own buildings.”
Keep community journalism free.
Jewish News is free for everyone. No paywall. No barriers. Just trusted journalism for anyone who wants to stay connected to Jewish life in Britain.
If you value that, please support us.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help keep our journalism free and accessible to all.
Every day, we report on the issues that matter to our community. We celebrate achievements, support charities, challenge antisemitism and ensure Jewish voices are heard more widely.
From as little as £5 a month, you can help us continue to:
- Report on the stories shaping Jewish life in the UK and beyond
- Bring our community together through shared stories, events and campaigns
- Celebrate the people, culture and moments that define our community
- Support organisations doing vital work across Jewish Britain
You can make a one-off donation or become a regular supporter. Every contribution helps keep our journalism free, independent and accessible to all.
If everyone who values Jewish News gave a small amount, it would make a real difference to our future.
