The fledgling Charedi community of Canvey Island is planning to open a kosher bakery, subject to the local council approving an application to convert a former Natwest bank building.
Community leader Joel Friedman told the JC it would be a “milestone” for the community, which will soon welcome five new families, taking the total to 67.
The disused building, in the heart of the High Street, was purchased in October by an unnamed member of the community, who handed it over to a support organisation, the Jcoci Educational Foundation, on a lease.
An application to convert part of the building into a bakery was submitted in February, with Castle Point Borough Council set to discuss the proposal “hopefully between Pesach and Shavuot”, Mr Friedman said.
“This is an important moment for the community and another display that we are putting down roots here.
“It shows we are embedded and integrated here and our relationship with the local community is good. For families considering moving here, it’s one of many different signs that we’re doing well and we’re comfortable here.”
The proposal has been welcomed by the wider community, with just one formal objection to the proposal lodged via the council’s website.
Mr Friedman suggested this may be due, in part, to a desire to reverse the decline of the town centre.
“The High Street has seen the same fate as high streets in many towns and villages all over the country. A lot of shops have closed recently and there are a lot of charity shops.
“Hopefully, the bakery will be something everyone will be able to enjoy. A lot of people from the local community moved to Canvey from the East End. They remember going to bagel shops and they tell us they want one in Canvey.”
In addition to the bakery — which, if approved, will be “milky” and supervised by Kedassia in London — the site will incorporate office space, serving as a communal business hub.
