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‘Anxiety and tension’ as Liverpool landmark hit by spate of vandalism
The continual vandalism of an historic Liverpool landmark awaiting redevelopment has caused locals to become an “unpaid security group.”
In 2017, planning permission was granted for a development that sought to convert the Greenbank Drive Synagogue into 22 apartments with another 36 apartments on its grounds. To date no major development work has taken place at the site with the building falling into a worsening state of disrepair and has increasingly become a hotspot for vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
The developers, Green Drive Ltd, who’ve brought forward the plans, told the ECHO last year that a renegotiation of the lease was holding up the progress. In the most recent update, a spokesperson for Green Drive Ltd claims that discussions are now “moving forward quickly”.
READ MORE: Residents ‘suffering’ as wait to develop historic landmark goes on
They added that and they are awaiting the “green light” from the authority to start building works. Liverpool City Council retains the freehold to the building and the ECHO understands the local authority is continuing discussions regarding the lease.
However vandalism of the listed building continues to be an issue while the wait for works to resume goes on, according to residents living nearby. Dave Lampert, who lives near to the synagogue, said continual trespassing on the site and subsequent vandalism is “causing a lot of anxiety and tension” for those in close proximity.
Another local resident, Paul Tsanos, director of the nearby Smithdown Arts Hub, said that windows on the building had recently been smashed through with what appeared to be a golf club. He added that the building “is a magnet for kids at half term” and that the regularity of trouble means local residents have had to become an “unpaid security group.”
Concerns were raised for those going inside the building and its upper floors due to the potential safety of the structure. Recently the roof of the Welsh Presbyterian church on Princes Avenue collapsed with Mr Tsanos worried something similar could happen at the synagogue.
Speaking to the ECHO, a spokesperson for Green Drive Ltd said that “it is very sad what is going on there” when asked about the level of vandalism taking place on the site. They said more fencing had been put in place and that the developers had done “everything possible to secure the site”, adding that the “council is working with us” to find a way forward on the stalled project.
The Greenbank Drive Synagogue, also known as the Ark Synagogue, was once the centre of the city’s thriving Jewish community and is situated near to Sefton Park. It was built in 1936 and used by its congregation until 2007, with the building deemed “at risk” in 2010 and was a focus of the ECHO’s Stop the Rot campaign.
In recent years, a number of urban explorers have made their way into the building. One explorer fell through its roof in 2019.
The redevelopment plans were approved in 2017 despite receiving strong opposition from local residents. Mr Lampert was chair of the local group which was formed to oppose the plans, but was ultimately unsuccessful.
Mr Lampert, who is from a Jewish background, believes the feeling of frustration has only been deepened due to the worsening condition of the site.
He told the ECHO: “The history of the building is important to the city, the area and the Jewish Community. It is a lovely building and [it has so much potential]. It is a poor reflection of the area.”
Paul Tsanos believes what was proposed was “never in keeping with the area” and there is a desire locally for it instead to be taken forward under a form of community ownership. He believes the building should be converted into a cultural asset, one similar to the Florrie in Dingle, adding: “Something that could serve the neighbourhood.”
Greenbank Ward councillor Cllr Martyn Madeley said that the the locals “don’t mind” having a development on the site, but that it should be one with “more support in the community”, with the Green Party councillor advocating for a change in approach.
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