Recently, the synagogue’s development committee “Plan B” sub-committee has been exploring future options for the Brighton & Hove Reform Synagogue (BHRS) site.
After reviewing the existing council aspirations — financial sustainability, a secure and accessible building, flexible community space, and modern facilities for the cheder — the sub-committee concluded that these goals are more likely to be achieved by retaining and upgrading the current synagogue building rather than demolishing it and constructing a new one.

This conclusion applies whether or not the building remains listed. The committee believes that restoration can be delivered in a shorter timeframe, attract full community support, and preserve both heritage and land ownership — avoiding the risks of replacing the synagogue with a smaller building alongside a large housing development on two-thirds of the site that would no longer be owned by the community.

A Five-Year Vision

The sub-committee has developed a vision that could be fully realised by 2030. This involves a series of next steps to assess the viability of the Plan B approach against the existing demolition plan. Key requirements include:

• A full-site evaluation to establish refurbishment costs for major works such as roof replacement, heating and electrical systems, a new lift, and accessibility/security upgrades.
• Appointment of a heritage architect to advise on works permissible under listed building regulations.
• Assessment of the commercial value of a redeveloped Ajex Hall (using the successful Ralli Hall rental model) and the viability of a proposed small-scale housing development on the car park site.
• Identification of grant and trust funding for both capital works (e.g. roof refurbishment) and targeted projects (e.g. creating a new education centre).

Revenue & Sustainability

Plan B envisages multiple revenue and investment streams that reinforce one another — each element making the others more viable. While this would require increased management, governance, and volunteer effort, the sub-committee believes the community has the expertise and energy to deliver it. The benefits, they argue, outweigh the drawbacks when compared with the existing strategy to demolish the building and forgo income-generating spaces.

The Plan B Vision

• Preserve & Restore the existing synagogue building, even if listing status is repealed — maintaining a cultural landmark and flexible development space.
• Create Sustainable Income through commercial letting and modest housing development on part of the car park (while retaining parking for shul use and keeping land ownership).
• Provide Modern, Accessible Spaces for worship, learning, and community activities.
• Unlock Heritage & Education Grants by leveraging the building’s history and status.
• Protect the Past, Adapt for the Future — making heritage an asset, not a liability.

Key Project Elements

1. Small-Scale Housing Development – A six-storey residential block on part of the car park, unlocking capital for refurbishment while retaining land ownership.
2. Ajex Hall Transformation – Add a mezzanine and create ~400m² of commercial rental space to provide ongoing income.
3. Community & Education Hub – State-of-the-art cheder classrooms, staff areas, offices, library, and accessible facilities in the new mezzanine space.
4. Major Building Upgrades – Lift replacement, roof repairs, renewable energy, accessibility ramps, enhanced security, and new flexible spaces to support both smaller congregations and community events.
5. Potential Holocaust Education Centre – Transform balcony space into a regional hub for survivor testimony, learning, and heritage preservation, with a unique eye-level view of the Petts windows.

Goal: By 2030, to have a fully restored, accessible, financially secure synagogue and a vibrant community hub — safeguarding BHRS for generations to come.