Plans to replace the synagogue have been halted after the building was granted listed status on April 2, following an application by the Twentieth Century Society (C20).
The synagogue’s president, Michael Harris, warned the decision had placed the future of the community in “serious jeopardy.” Harris said the proposal to demolish the building and replace it with a block of 18 flats, including a purpose-built synagogue, was “essential” for the community’s long-term survival. The 500-strong congregation includes a cheder with 50 children and welcomes hundreds of pupils for educational visits from local schools annually.
In February 2023, an extraordinary general meeting of 30 members voted in favour of the redevelopment. Under the proposed agreement, a developer would buy the land and construct properties in exchange for building a new smaller synagogue, which would incorporate the John Petts stained-glass windows.
Pointing to heating costs and repairs, including a broken lift, as well as the “declining” congregation, Harris said a newly built space would be more suitable the community’s needs.
Redevelopment plans cost the community £250,000, but there were claims that the shul’s board failed to spend money on basic building repairs over the last ten years.
Harris said that the board had deferred repairs which “did not meet ‘essential’ criterion because, had we redeveloped, any costs beyond that would have been wasted. But, inevitably, as time has moved on, repairs become more pressing, and we are having to deal with all this.”
In its listing, Historic England cited the synagogue’s architecture and historical significance. “The dedication of the synagogue building itself to the memory of Jewish victims of the Holocaust underlines the historic interest,” it said.
Harris disputed this interpretation, claiming, “They're making conclusions about the building being a Holocaust memorial, which it is not.” However, a plaque laid when the building was erected reads: “This synagogue is dedicated to the glory of God and to the memory of the six million Jews who perished in Nazi concentration camps.”
A plaque at Brighton Reform Syngogue dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews who were killed in the Holocaust[Missing Credit]
Harris argued the building “has not got anything of particular artistic merit”, apart from the Petts windows, which he said would have been preserved in the plans. “I love the windows, but what we don't understand is why that means the building should be listed – and the problem with listing is that we can’t redevelop the building.”
While some members saw the listing as an opportunity, Harris said he is investigating ways to challenge the decision. “If we are not able to, then of course, we must look at all the opportunities that are available to us.”
Heritage experts welcomed the move by Historic England. Dr Alison Smith, chief curator at the National Portrait Gallery, called the listing a “fantastic opportunity to preserve a wonderful heritage asset. It is great news for Brighton and East Sussex, particularly if it can be opened up for visitors.”
Smith described the synagogue as “of outstanding quality” and unique in its role as a place of worship and a memorial. “The John Petts windows stand as one of the great religious works of art of the 20th century.”
She said the listing of “one of the first Holocaust memorials in Britain” could attract funding. “There is so much potential. I hope the council of the synagogue can take advantage of this opportunity and open it up – getting access has been very difficult in the past.”
Former member Barbara Bell, an artist and teacher who resigned over the redevelopment plans, said she was “thrilled” by the listing. “The building is phenomenal. I hope this decision allows it to become a beacon of light and Holocaust memory.”
She criticised the proposed redesign as resembling “a church” and hopes the listing will help “revive the vision, maintain the memories and make it into the extraordinary light it is meant to be.”
It is only the second postwar synagogue in England to be listed, after Western Marble Arch in central London. More than 150 postwar churches have received similar status.
Campaigns Director at C20 Society, Oli Marshall, welcomed the decision, “We are absolutely thrilled.” He noted it was “incredibly rare” for the government body to recognise a post-war building in its listings. “There is a problem with under-listing or overlooking of post-war synagogues and Holocaust memorials.
"That the building itself is designated as a Holocaust memorial makes it unique in the UK and perhaps internationally,” Marshall said.
