The Daily Echo has celebrated how a synagogue in Bournemouth, that ‘combines Moorish-revival style and Art Nouveau elements’, has become a Grade II listed building, preserving its architectural and historic merits.
The Daily Echo writes:
Bournemouth Hebrew Congregation’s shul, which combines Moorish-revival style and Art Nouveau elements, has received grade II status on the National Heritage List for England. The building is recognised by Historic England for its reflection of the town’s diverse community and coherence of its design.
The synagogue was designed by local architects and developers in 1910. It first opened in 1911. In 1957, as the congregation had expanded to around 900 worshippers, the synagogue was further extended to a design by more local architects. Historic England also say the historic interest of the building is in reflecting the popularity of Bournemouth as a Jewish holiday destination.
In 2010, the synagogue featured in a report carried out by Jewish Heritage UK exploring potential at risk Jewish places of worship. Cllr Anne Filer said it was important the history of the Jewish community in Bournemouth was recognised. One of her relatives was one of the synagogue’s founders.
‘The area of Bournemouth has always been welcoming to all people,’ said Cllr Filer. ‘We have mosques and synagogues and we are seeing the area becoming even more multicultural. It is a very beautiful building and something we can be very proud of. The Jewish community has been very much part of life within Bournemouth as have many other communities. Since I was born here the main overall community of Bournemouth has changes so much with people from lots of different lands, faiths and ethnicities, which I think is really exciting. We have always been well received and welcomed by the people of Bournemouth. It is a very tolerant place,’ she said.
