[alf stone]

Hebrew Congregational Synagogue, 180 Bewick Road, Gateshead

Most of the scaffolding has now been removed from the roof area and the workforce is gradually dwindling.

 

[alf stone]

The last of the scaffolding has finally been dismantled:

 

[alf stone]

During the last couple of weeks a tanker with the legend JetVac has been hooked up to the inside of the Synagogue. Several vans from a tiling company have been evident. They have also been clearing away excess building materials and scrap. I was beginning to hope that the job was nearing completion. Alas when I was there this morning one of the elders told me that they have booked the first wedding to be held on the roof for early November. When the construction boss was told his answer was succinct, "No chance!".

This area on the Bewick Road side has been used for storage but is now mainly clear:

On the north and east elevations they have fitted what look to me like blanking plates but a couple of Yeshiva students told me they were for the ventilation system:

When I passed on Thursday afternoon I took this picture showing the glorious lighting on the ceiling of the main Synagogue area:

 

[alf stone]

Hebrew Congregational Synagogue, 180 Bewick Road Gateshead

The blanking plates have gone and have been replaced by ventilation outlets for the Mikveh (ritual baths). I am curious as to why they built the walls and then removed the bricks to install the vents but then I have never worked in construction:

 

[alf stone]

When I passed the Synagogue this afternoon there was smoke coming from the chimney stack. Either the central heating system is working or they have chosen a new Rabbi. They have also cleaedr most of the materials that were littering the compound too the east. Sorry but the smoke is quite difficult to see against the cloud background:

 

[alf stone]

When I passed the Synagogue this afternoon I noticed that the temporary fencing had been removed from the east end and the area cleared.. I asked one of the builders when it was goign to be finished and he replied, "in a few weeks". It would be nice if it was ready for Hanukkah:

 

[alf stone]

Today they have dismantled the portakabins that were used as offices and messing facilities and are busy returning the area to its original use as a car park. It looks like "a few weeks" might be an exaggeration:

 

[alf stone]

I was surprised this morning to see smoke coming from the chimney. There was no sign of any workmen on site and there has been no action since the week before Christmas:

 

[alf stone]

The last post...

...for now anyway. I have been reliably informed that phase 1 is now complete. The Mikveh (Ritual Baths) were tested on Friday and now future use depends on the lockdown circumstances changing.

 

[Newcastle Historian]

The last post...

...for now anyway. I have been reliably informed that phase 1 is now complete. The Mikveh (Ritual Baths) were tested on Friday and now future use depends on the lockdown circumstances changing. View attachment 977094

Hi Alf,

I have enjoyed following this thread, thanks for the regular supply of updates and photos!

Is 'Phase 2' the land next to it, and is it likely to happen in the forseeable future?

Or, should this thread now be moved into the "Completed Projects" Forum?

 

[Ken O'Heed]

Hebrew Congregational Synagogue, 180 Bewick Road, Bensham, Gateshead, Demolition of the existing synagogue and the construction of a new shul (Synagogue), community rooms and mikvehs (ritual baths)

From the Design & Access Statement of planning application

DC/15/00475/FUL

Demolition of the existing synagogue and the construction of a new shul (Synagogue), community rooms and mikvehs (ritual baths) (additional info received 02/07/15 and 07/07/15 and amended 21/07/15).

Hebrew Congregational Synagogue 180 Bewick Road Bensham Gateshead NE8 1UF

DC/15/00475/FUL | Demolition of the existing synagogue and the construction of a new shul (Synagogue), community rooms and mikvehs (ritual baths) (additional info received 02/07/15 and 07/07/15 and amended 21/07/15). | Hebrew Congregational Synagogue 180 Bewick Road Bensham Gateshead NE8 1UF

public.gateshead.gov.uk

EXTRACT

Once the new mikvehs have been thoroughly tested and are working properly, the second phase will commence.

The existing synagogue will be demolished and the new shul, prayer rooms, spine circulation, etc. will be completed.


In light of the above would think it best to keep the thread as "under construction"

KEN