Heritage centre plans for former synagogue
A FORMER South Wales synagogue is to be turned into a Welsh Jewish heritage centre and cultural venue.
London-based Foundation for Jewish Heritage has bought the building in Merthyr Tydfil and will bring it back into public use for the first time in 13 years.
Built in 1872 it is the oldest purpose-built synagogue still standing in Wales.
Today it is considered architecturally one of the most important synagogues in the UK and has been awarded Grade II listed status.
Worship at the site came to an end in 1983 when the synagogue was sold.
Since 2006, the building has been lying empty with its condition deteriorating, and was recently put up for sale.
The Foundation for Jewish Heritage proposed that the building be used to create a Welsh Jewish Heritage Centre that would present the remarkable history of the Jewish community in Wales while also providing a new cultural venue for Merthyr Tydfil.
The idea was said to be well received by Merthyr Tydfil County Council and the commuinty.
Michael Mail, chief executive of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage, said: “The foundation is delighted to have bought the former Merthyr Tydfil synagogue, which is currently in a very poor state. The building is a nationally recognised historic site which we want to use to tell a unique national story of the Welsh Jewish community.
“In restoring the building, we want it to once again play a meaningful role in the life of Merthyr.”
After snapping up the building, the foundation conducted a feasibility study and concluded the idea of a heritage centre there was viable.
The foundation views its role as primarily educational, by using such historic buildings to inform about the life and contribution of the Jewish community.
It also aims to build awareness and understanding, combating ignorance and prejudice.
The foundation wants the Merthyr project to promote cultural links and bring wider social and economic benefit to the area.
Having purchased the site, the foundation is now looking to secure funding to enable urgent repairs to be carried out.
It is working closely with the Merthyr Tydfil Council and plans to make an application in due course to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF).
The foundation was established in 2015 and undertook unprecedented research to map more than 3,300 historic synagogues across Europe to identify the most important “at risk” buildings – during which Merthyr synagogue was highlighted.