The London office of DLG Architects has played a pivotal role in securing a £250,000 award from ‘English Heritage/Heritage Lottery Fund Places of Workship’ for Sandys Row Synagogue. The award will ensure the survival of one of the oldest synagogue buildings in the country, and the oldest Ashkenazi community in London.

DLG offers specialist consultancy on sensitive conservation and restoration and recent projects include alteration and conservation work on the Bedford estate, the redevelopment of the former Lloyds Bank headquarters at Cornhill and the conversion of a Grade 1 listed Georgian chapel in the centre of Bath. The practice also has experience working with religious groups to make their buildings more accessible to the wider community and has offices close to the East End synagogue.

Jill Rayson, Partner comments: “DLG are delighted to help secure the restoration grant for this culturally significant building that encapsulates social changes and the evolution of a place that came to be used by several different faiths. This also presents an exciting opportunity to begin the restoration of a little known architectural gem in the heart of Spitalfields.

She explains “Consultant to DLG Professor Anthony Walker provides specialist conservation assessments and evaluation and carried out a quinquennial inspection last year. As a result detailed research was carried out by conservation surveyors, and last September we discovered that two of the four corner roof supports were completely rotten. The entire Huguenot structure was being held up by the 18th Century ceiling plasterwork!

"Without the grant, this unique link back to the great Jewish migration of the 19th Century would be in danger of collapse. Now the Huguenot roof and walls can look forward to their 250th anniversary in 2013 and beyond!”

The award marks a major milestone for the Sandys Row Synagogue community that continues to build a vibrant programme of religious and cultural activities, and develop a greater role in celebrating Jewish East End heritage.

Henry Grunwald QC, President of the Board of Deputies who endorsed the application with a personal letter comments, “I am really pleased that English Heritage and the Heritage Lottery Fund have jointly agreed to provide this funding for Sandys Row. The synagogue is an important part of the community’s heritage. It still plays an important role in the Jewish life of Central London and this funding will ensure the building’s future.”

The award comes at a time when Sandys Row Synagogue is considering the feasibility of creating an East End Heritage educational centre and alongside the Monday-Thursday lunchtime minyan (prayer group), fortnightly Shabbat services and regular tours, they will shortly be adding a women’s minyan and evening cultural activities.

Dr Simon Thurley, Chief Executive of English Heritage, said, “English Heritage is delighted to be announcing these repair grants for historic places of worship –particularly on the day that the government launches ‘World Class Places’. Historic buildings connect us to our past and enhance our enjoyment of the places in which we live, work and worship. These beautiful listed buildings are at the heart of our communities and they must remain in active use. We are especially pleased that buildings used by such a broad range of religious groups are being awarded grants this year.”

Email: dee@frenchpr.co.uk