The Liverpool Echo reports that the official go-ahead has been granted to convert the disused Greenbank Synagogue into 22 apartments, as well as build 36 new apartments within the grounds.
Despite objections from at least 10 residents, local councillors and the Merseyside Heritage Trust, the plans were unanimously approved by Liverpool City Council’s planning committee.
Inside the main building, architects are planning on retaining the existing architectural features that earned the building. situated on Greenbank Drive, its Grade II status.
We reported in June 2016 about these plans, including drawings and other details.
The Echo — which had featured the synagogue in its “Stop the Rot” preservation campaign — posts a video of the interior of the building. Click HERE.
There is also this one on YouTube:
According to the plans, the conversion will include “a new gallery as part of the community area, which architects say will ‘showcase the synagogue’s rich history and artefacts’.” The Ark and Bimah will be relocated to synagogues in Israel.
As we noted in 2013 — the red-brick synagogue was designed by the noted Liverpool architect Sir Ernest Alfred Shennan and built in 1936/37. It served its congregation until January 2008, when dwindling numbers forced the community to move and close the building. A 2008 proposal to turn it into apartments was blocked — thanks to the efforts of the 20th Century Society, which got the building upgraded to Grade II heritage status — and the building has stood empty since then.
Click to see our June 2016 post
Click to read Liverpool Echo story and see video