Brighton community members have received an update on the progress of the ambitious BNJC community centre project, praised by Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis as “among the most exciting community development plans I have seen”.

Addressing more than 100 people from the area and beyond at a virtual Chanukah party, BNJC’s chief executive Marc Sugarman said the development in New Church Road, Hove, supported by the Bloom Foundation, would open early in 2022. “I hope that BNJC becomes a home from home — a place to meet friends, have a coffee, a bite to eat, enjoy a fascinating talk, take a class or just hang out.”

Working with Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation, BNJC would become an outstanding asset for the local Jewish and wider community, he added. It will comprise 45 units of housing, a synagogue and mikveh, as well as a kosher café, restaurant and deli, a co-working space, a social area for events and programming and educational facilities, including a nursery.

Mr Sugarman believed it could be a game-changer for the community “by attracting Jewish professionals and young families to the area. Through creative collaboration with local and national organisations, it will build an inclusive, diverse and vibrant community in the heart of Brighton and Hove,” he maintained.

Israeli international footballer and former Brighton and Hove Albion star Tomer Hemed joined the party to share his experiences of playing for the Seagulls and living in the city. He said the Jewish community had made him and his family “feel at home”.

The online event also included a doughnut bake-along where participants were guided by Israeli chef Yanir Mrejen to make traditional Chanukah doughnuts from scratch. Mr Mrejen, who is currently working at Novellino in Golders Green, was simultaneously announced as BNJC’s head chef for its kosher restaurant.