VCAT gives green light to Central Shule

PETER KOHN

THE Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) approved Central Shule’s plans for a new two-storey community centre last week.

Central Shule president Ian Harris said the plans, which will give the Caulfield South synagogue the capacity to seat 300 worshippers on Shabbat and 800 on the high holy days, were approved with minor modifications to parking on Maple Street.

Objections by a group of around 25 local residents were rejected by VCAT, the appeals body for local government building decisions.

The residents’ group had appealed a unanimous decision by Glen Eira Council in December to approve the renovations, citing traffic flows and access to local sporting venues.

Harris said the renovations will expand the shul into a fully-fledged community centre, making it more amenable to young families and broadening its congregational base.

The revamp of the synagogue, which has a strong membership, many of whom are South African-born Jews, includes a new library, classrooms, a kiddush room, offices, choir rehearsal space, multi-purpose areas and a kitchen.

Harris estimated construction would begin in February next year and be completed by 2011.

“We’re very happy with the VCAT decision. We’ve had a very good and very positive decision from VCAT and the council, and now it’s time to go ahead,” Harris told The AJN.

Central moved into the Maple Street property eight years ago.