A former bank in Borehamwood can now be used as a Jewish community centre, Hertsmere Borough Council’s planning committee has agreed.
At a meeting yesterday (Thursday, 22 May), the committee unanimously approved plans for 80-82 Shenley Road – the building at the junction with Centenary Place – to change from its previous commercial use.
The council own the building in Borehamwood town centre, and have marketed it since 2023 for retail, leisure and commercial uses.
However, some potential tenants said it was “too small” for their purposes, while others said they would want to lease only the ground floor rather than the office space on the first and second floors.
The council has now agreed it can be used by ‘The Chai Center’, which describes itself as “an orthodox outreach organisation which falls under the umbrella of the Chabad movement”.
The organisation’s planning statement said: “The premise behind Chabad is to cater to the spiritual and material needs of all Jews wherever they are located in the world.
“The difference between Chabad and other synagogues is that whilst its religious practice falls within the auspices of Orthodox Judaism, they welcome every Jewish person irrespective of their background.
“Therefore, people who do not feel comfortable attending a mainstream Orthodox, Conservative or Reform synagogue, feel welcomed in the Chabad centre.
“The reason for the Chabad centre in Borehamwood is that this town is the fastest growing Jewish community in Europe and there is need for an outreach organisation in this location.
“According to the latest census data, 20.8 per cent of the population in Borehamwood and Elstree identify as being Jewish.”
Activities that the new centre may host include class, lectures and workshops on Jewish topics; religious services; Shabbat meals; and special events for the community. It will be able to open between 8am and 10.30pm.
Council officers said the location for the centre would be suitable and “highly sustainable”, and recommended that councillors give the green light for the chang
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