The only surviving purpose-built Welsh synagogue gets the go ahead for restoration
More than 20 years after Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue closed its doors to the public, the green light has been given to transform it into the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre (WJCC). Thanks largely to an award from the National Lottery Heritage Fund of almost £4m and another £1.7m from the Welsh government’s Transforming Towns initiative, works on the Grade II-listed building can finally begin.
Built in 1877, the imposing Victorian Gothic structure at the top corner of Church Street and Brynteg Terrace is the only surviving purpose-built synagogue in Wales. Its last service was in 1983 and the premises continued to be used as a gym until 2004. Soon after the Foundation for Jewish Heritage (FJH) bought it almost a decade ago, the crumbling building was declared “at risk” by Cadw, the Welsh government’s historic environment service, and urgent works were undertaken to prevent it falling into further disrepair.
“In restoring the building, we want it to once again play a meaningful role in the life of Merthyr,” Michael Mail, chief executive of the FJH, told us in 2019. Restoration efforts were further aided in 2021, when The King, then the Prince of Wales, visited after announcing that The Prince’s Foundation would be assisting the project.
“We are delighted to have received funding from the National Lottery, Welsh government and others to save the historic synagogue,” said David Bearman, chair of trustees of the WJCC. Dame Helen Hyde DBE, chair of trustees of the FJH, added: “The centre will make a unique contribution to the cultural and educational landscape of Wales.”
Artist impression of the renovated WJCC
When the synagogue was founded, Merthyr Tydfil was the largest town in Wales and the Jewish population numbered 400. Today, there is no recorded community. “The building represents a shared heritage – both Jewish and Welsh,” said Stephen Goldman, chair of the project’s steering committee. “[It reflects] the story of a particular community that made its own distinct contribution to Welsh society [and] is little known. That is why the WJCC project is so important, bringing the story of this community to the fore and, in so doing, promoting cross-cultural and interfaith understanding.”
Once the work is complete, the WJCC will open with an exhibition about the Jewish history of Merthyr Tydfil and wider Wales. The centre will also host events and educational programmes, and provide a vibrant space for the local community to enjoy.
By Danielle Goldstein
Photos courtesy of the Foundation for Jewish Heritage
To learn more about Merthyr Tydfil Synagogue and the Welsh Jewish Cultural Centre, visit foundationforjewishheritage.com and jewishheritage.wales.