Three heritage funding bodies will contribute a total of £40,000 to support a Feasibility Study by the Foundation for Jewish Heritage (FJH) aimed at identifying a viable future use for the historic Middle Street Synagogue in Brighton.
The National Lottery Heritage Fund has committed £20,000 and the Architectural Heritage Fund has committed £10,000, the FJH said in a statement. In addition, the Pilgrim Trust has committed £10,000 towards the building survey aspect of the Study.
Last year, the Brighton & Hove Hebrew Congregation (BHHC), the owners of the synagogue, commissioned the FJH to conduct a review process in order to assess what future function the opulent but disused synagogue could serve. The Feasibility Study is being managed by the FJH, and a Steering Committee has been established chaired by BHHC member Michael Rosehill.
“Middle Street is a nationally recognised landmark building, important for the Jewish community and for the city of Brighton and Hove,” said FJH CEO Michael Mail. “Through the Feasibility Study, we hope to come up with a solution that will bring the building back into regular use and ensure its future.”
The Grade II* listed building was designed by Thomas Lainson and opened in 1875. It is located in a Brighton city centre conservation area. Named by Historic England in 2015 as one of the 10 most beautiful synagogues in Great Britain, it was closed for regular worship 20 years ago when its congregation dwindled as much of the Jewish community moved to the suburbs.
Despite being disused, the FJH states:
The synagogue’s stained glass windows, elaborate floral column capitals, wrought iron details, mosaics, stencilling and gilding, black and white chequered floor of Italian marble and original pews, transport the viewer into a 19th century space of worship and contemplation. The interior reflects the history of Brighton’s Jewish community and the synagogue’s links to wider society and affairs of state via influential Jewish families connected to the synagogue including the Rothschild, Montefiore and Sassoon families, the latter significant patrons of the synagogue as well as major Brighton benefactors.
The Feasibility Study will assess the current situation of Middle Street, identify options for future use, and make a recommendation on a preferred option which will be considered by the BHHC Board.
“We are extremely pleased to be one of three organisations that have awarded funding towards a Feasibility Study for Middle Street Synagogue,” said Louise Stewart, Support Officer for London and South East at the Architectural Heritage Fund. “We hope that our support will help to find a sustainable future use for this iconic building, ensuring that it continues to play an important role for the Jewish community, as well as the city of Brighton and Hove as a whole, for many generations to come.”
See full text of the FJH statement
Read our November 2023 post about the project, with links to earlier posts