Day & Johnson on Jewish centre

UK consultant Day & Johnson is working on another project in Poland. This time the firm is building a Jewish centre in Krakow, which aims to reinvigorate a once vibrant community.

The building will be located in the grounds of the 19th century Tempel synagogue within the Kazimierz district made famous in Steve Spielberg's film Schindler's List.

Construction started this week on the five-storey building and is due for completion in December 2007.

Day & Johnson said the complex planning rules meant "there were many difficulties to overcome" before a building permit was obtained in October 2006. Due to the historic nature of the site the building permit requires that excavations are carried out under the supervision of the Krakow City Archaeological Department. Consequently the scheme will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which started this week, involves excavation of the site by hand. Phase two involves construction of the new building and is to start on 1 March 2007. The construction contract has been awarded to Sunley Polska.

Day & Johnson has been involved since 2003. It worked with local architect IMB Asymetria to develop a design reflecting local Jewish design traditions.

The community centre will provide 850m2 of recreational and health facilities comprising a health suite, laundry, dining room, internet café, library and multi purpose community hall.

The project is being supported by World Jewish Relief.