A MULTI-MILLION pound re-development is planned for a Borehamwood synagogue due to the condition of the existing building and growing membership of the Jewish community in the area.

The Borehamwood and Elstree Synagogue, in Croxdale Road, is drawing up plans for the renovation, which is still in the initial stages.

Members of the synagogue say it will take at least a year to finalise the design and a further 18 months to construct it. If approved, the building would be on two levels and would retain the current prayer hall.

The plan includes, among other areas, office accommodation, a larger hall and a large lobby area.

Options were considered by the synagogue committee to consider leaving the area and moving to a new location.

The entire process, from planning through to final building, is anticipated to last approximately five years.

A section explaining the renovation on the synagogue website, says: “No one who has visited our shul [synagogue] premises over the past few years can have failed to notice the condition of our buildings and inadequacy of the facilities. Anyone who has looked closely will be even more shocked. Our current site is unwelcoming, uninspiring, poorly set out and crumbling.”

Anthony Arnold, from the synagogue, said on its website: “Initial plans have been drawn up that give an indication of what can be achieved within our existing boundaries.

“There are numerous issues to address, not least of which is funding, before any detailed plans can be progressed.

“However, that is just one of many aspects that will require time and a lot of work, so it would be remiss of us if we didn’t start the process now, rather than waiting until funding is secured to address many of the other issues.

“Any major redevelopment will clearly be a multi-million pound project.”

Mr Arnold added that the synagogue would be approaching “numerous funding sources”.

He wrote: “The United Synagogue will be asked for substantial direct investment and to fund the initial stages of the project, including the not unsubstantial work that will be required to obtain planning permission and start the fundraising process.”

Borehamwood and Elstree synagogue has 2,150 members.

The area around Borehamwood and Elstree has the third largest Jewish community in England.