Mosaic is on the move to Stanmore

V HARROW COUNCIL has approved plans which will see the innovative Mosaic Jewish Community move to purpose-built premises in Stanmore next year.

Established in 2014, the community comprises Mosaic Reform (formerly the Middlesex New), Mosaic Liberal (formerly Harrow and Wembley Progressive) and Hatch End Masorti.

The Reform and Liberal congregations have been holding services on the old Middlesex New site in Bessborough Road, Harrow — the Masorti group has been using premises elsewhere.

But the community has long wished to have a modern building better suited to current needs.

Mosaic Reform chair Lawrence Chadwick explained that a commercial development of the Bessborough Road site will fund the community’s new home, to be constructed on a former petrol station in Stanmore Hill. The deal with developer Heronslea will also leave money in reserve “to help support the community and the facilities we offer”.

It is hoped that building work will start in spring with the congregations holding their first Stanmore services in summer 2021.

The design of the new premises has been geared towards flexible use, with the potential for up to five Shabbat prayer halls, or a large single space when the community comes together for major events.

It will be more energy efficient, offer enhanced amenities for the disabled and serve as a communal hub. “For example, there will be a coffee bar, where people can drop in for a drink and to socialise,” Mr Chadwick explained. “Mixed-use development is the way forward and it is in line with national planning policy.”

Moving to Stanmore would also bring the community closer to its core membership and make it more attractive to newcomers. “We have an ageing community,” Mr Chadwick noted.

Mosaic Reform is the biggest constituent with just under 400 member households. Mosaic Liberal has close to 250 member households and Masorti Hatch End around 100.

As the Reform and Liberal congregations will temporarily be without a base once the development of the Bessborough Road site begins, Mr Chadwick said that a hall had been identified as a short-term venue for Shabbat and festival services.

There will be a coffee bar where people can socialise’