SGP delivers £1.2million Grade II listed synagogue redevelopment in Leicester

Great to see some fabulous coverage for our client Stephen George + Partners (SGP) in the Leicester Mercury as the £1.2 million redevelopment and refurbishment of the Victorian Grade II listed Highfield Street Synagogue in Leicester completes. SGP’s design creates an expansive glazed foyer to link the existing Synagogue and teaching building together, with improved ancillary accommodation at the rear.

The project was delivered under a Heritage Lottery Funded scheme for ‘Sharing Jewish Heritage in Leicester.’

Explains Kanti Chhapi, Studio Director at SGP: “We worked very closely with the Leicester Hebrew Congregation to understand and deliver what the community needed and wanted for their much-loved synagogue. The design is sensitive to old structure with the new connection being respectful to the original fabric, but distinct and honest, clearly visible but with the original building remaining the focus.”

Chairman of the Leicester Hebrew Congregation, Anthony Jacobs:  "Leicester Hebrew Congregation is delighted with the design produced by Stephen George + Partners which has resulted in our Grade II listed synagogue being enhanced by a modern extension. This extension, along with the refurbishment of the existing structure, provides for both the needs of our community and the many visitors we receive each year as part of our “Sharing Jewish Heritage” project. We are grateful for the generous grant from The Heritage Lottery Fund that allowed us to develop this project in collaboration with SGP."

The new facade is glazed curtain walling within brick piers to provide a cohesive transition between new and old, while the structure is predominantly steel with concrete underpinning to the existing buildings. As an active place of worship, many elements of the building were specifically designed for the congregation, such as the Sukkah roof-light, which opens up fully to the elements as required.

You can read the full story HERE