| BUILDING PROJECT/FUNDRAISING UPDATE 03.12.19 |
| Dear Members, The Muswell Hill Synagogue building project reached a significant milestone last week with the submission of our planning application to the local council. Our team of professionals has worked hard to draw up a planning document that reflects our ambitions for the shul building, and we are excited to share it with the community. The document is available for all community members to look at – click here As previewed in the ethos newsletter a few weeks ago, the document has three key components: It brings together all the plans and photos that are on display in the shul foyer, and updates some of the artists’ impressions. It describes the main features of the project — the new perimeter line; a new main entrance and security office; additional landscaping at the front of the building; an enlarged side entrance; reorganised ground floor to provide greater flexibility; refurbishment of the three main spaces (Main shul, Beit Hamidrash and the function room); reorganisation of the nursery playspace and parking area; and improvement of the heating, lighting and ventilation throughout the shul. And it provides more detail on those elements of the scheme that are specifically subject to planning oversight, notably the security fence and the main entrance. The document contains a fresh artist’s impression of the front of the building, outlining a design that is sympathetic to the existing structure of the shul, while providing clear visual interest to create a bright and welcoming entrance. Moving to the planning stage is a big milestone for the project, but there is much still to be done. Assuming we get approval, we then need to develop a full concept design which will include input from specialist professionals. After that we move into the technical design, tendering and construction phases. Most importantly, we are still raising funds. Thanks to the generosity of nearly 90 families within the community we have raised £535,000 out of our target of £600,000. That leaves £65,000 to go. We urge members who have not yet made a contribution to join those who have. Donations can be made over a three year period and are eligible for Gift Aid if you are a UK taxpayer. Simply print off the pledge form here, complete your contribution and email it back to the shul office. Alternatively, if you would like to discuss a donation with one of the team, email and one of the committee will get back to you. This is an exciting time for our community and we hope that as many members as possible can come together to contribute to our future. |