Brighton Jewish and civic leaders gathered at the site of the ambitious community hub project, BNJC, for its topping out ceremony.

Hosted in partnership with Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation, the event was another milestone for BNJC, which is scheduled to open next year. The ceremony also served as the launch of Sapphire Hove, the on-site residential development offering 45 diverse housing units.

Attendees including Hove Labour MP Peter Kyle enjoyed stunning views of the sea and the South Downs from the highest part of the site.

Addressing guests, Mr Kyle highlighted the wider significance of the central Hove project.

“In an era where lots of people are talking about the Jewish community, most will only see Jewish life from the outside. Not many have the chance to see it from within.

“What excites me most is that this will be a facility for everyone to walk in and experience Jewish life, interact with Jewish culture, Jewish food, and feel a part of it. We’re so proud that this has been created in our community.

“This will become a key pillar right at the heart of the community — between the South Downs and the coast.”

Supported by the Bloom Foundation and praised by the Chief Rabbi, BNJC was initiated in 2018 as a means to revitalise Jewish life in Brighton and Hove.

Features will include a synagogue and mikveh, a kosher café, restaurant and deli, working space, a social area for events and educational facilities such as a nursery.

At the end of the ceremony, Brighton and Hove Hebrew Congregation’s Rabbi Hershel Rader led an emotional inaugural Minchah service in the shell of the new shul.

BNJC CEO Marc Sugarman said the homes would offer “an opportunity for purposeful living in a wonderful community with incredible facilities and outstanding kosher food.

“We hope people from across the UK will consider Brighton as a place to live and to bring up a family.”